Experiments start with a question. For your main experiments, you need to identify a clear causal question or set of questions to investigate. This may involve revisiting the question we asked you to consider before starting your pilot experiment and the ensuing discussion you had with your teammates. You'll then develop those experiments, and ultimately conduct them.
Use the information and conditions established in your pilot experiment to determine appropriate “standard” conditions for your main experiments.
We can procure a fairly wide range of different supplies for your main experiments. The cost of these materials comes from our course budget – please do not pay out of pocket for supplies. You must get a supply list to us as soon as possible, including the total amounts needed, to ensure that we can get your materials to you with enough time to complete your experiments. Here are a couple of ideas for types of supplies to consider, but do not let these ideas limit your imagination.
Sourdough starter
Flavorings / spices – note that what gives spices flavor are plant secondary metabolites, and that there’s lots of evidence that different types of plant secondary metabolites can influence microbial growth
Different types of flour: rye, whole wheat, oat, cake, bread, etc…
Other additives: sugar, oil, and more! How would different macro-nutrients influence yeast metabolism?
You may discover that it is simpler to have each individual specialize on one main experiment, rather than having every team member participate equally in every main experiment. That does mean that each individual will need to think carefully about how many times each experiment will need to be replicated, and be sure to think about and include good control treatments each time an experiment is conducted – including adequate replication of the control treatments.
That said, other logistical approaches are certainly possible. This is something that your team will want to consider in planning the main experiments.