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Waterford Fermenters |
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Description:Waterford Fermenters were developed by Craig Kohn in 2010 as a method of providing inquiry-based opportunities in biotechnology courses in which students could test their ideas on fermentation, respiration, bacteriology, and other subjects. While the equipment itself is not entirely novel (it is based on and very similar to the Mini-Fermenters created by the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and Madison Area Technical College), the greatest benefit of this device comes from the reduction and cost and expanded application across all topics in the life sciences. The use of the Waterford Fermenter was expanded beyond bioenergy-related concepts to include a wide variety of subjects. While they were originally built for fermentation experiments, these fermenters can also accomodate classroom investigations on respiration, photosynthesis, decomposition, germination, eutrophication, insecticide effectiveness, climate change, hydrolysis, and survival adaptations. See the links below for details on how these experiments are performed. Similar models in function and size cost up to $800 from science supply catalogs. Even compared to the relatively inexpensive Mini-Fermenters, the production cost is much lower. Waterford Fermenters are currently sold for $35 apiece, and all proceeds from sales support the Waterford FFA Chapter for students with an interest in careers related to science, business, and technology. This equipment is built in the Agricultural Science Lab at Waterford Union High School by FFA students. Plans are also available in the Links section for the production of low-cost magnetic stirrers built from cigar boxes, 6-volt batteries, and fans from discarded computers (model railroad controllers can be used in lieu of batteries). While we do not currently produce this equipment in the same manner that we do with the fermenters, special arrangements can be made possible by request. Instructions are also linked below if you would rather choose to produce your own fermenters. |
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To order:By email: Contact Mr. Craig Kohn at ckohn@waterforduhs.k12.wi.us. Please include your name, daytime phone number, number of fermenters requested, and a shipping address. An invoice will be sent after your fermenters have been received. By phone: Call at 262-534-3189 x 7309. Please leave your name,daytime phone number, number of fermenters requested, and a shipping address. An invoice will be sent after your fermenters have been received. Prices do not include shipping. Shipping costs are determined by the US Postal Service and will vary by location. Orders may take 1-3 weeks to ship depending on the size and location. If you have a problem with your fermenter due to shipping damage, please call or email using the information listed above and a replacement order will be provided for you at no additional cost. |
Links:Waterford Fermenter Lab Activities WF & Stirrer Assembly Instructions Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center |
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