Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,

I am trying to find the effect of temperature on decomposition rate of organic matter. To do this I need a device that can maintain different temperatures for 8 + weeks. Any suggestions? I thought about a portable oven however I wasn't sure if this was safe to keep on for this long.

I am also looking for a device that can control oxygen level in organic matter. Oxygen level is another independent variable in my project.

Thanks,
Diya

Moderator note: Hi Diya, I edited your first post to include your second post, so all your questions are together to help the experts see everything in one place. Thanks!

Hi,

Good temperature control is really important in a science project, but some controllers can cost 100s of dollars. I would suggest using a water bath and an aquarium heater with temperature controller. You can buy a small aquarium and fill it with water and using the heater/controller you can maintain temperature within a degree or so. Try to keep the water bath in a room where the temperature does not fluctuate that much, out of drafts, away from doors to the outside and not in direct sunlight.

Let me know if this helps or if you have more questions.

Sybee