Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing a science project on E Coli growth in different temperatures. I'm going to put e coli O157:H7 in a freezer, refrigerator, and an incubator at body temperature and see which one it grows the fastest in. But I am confused as to how to set up the project? I know i need to sterilize the dish but we are measuring it in a spectrometer, so can i use a tube? and what kind of broth should I use to grow the e coli in?

Hi
as a matter of fact the answer to that question is clear: it will growth better in the body temperature because it is a pathogenic bacteria. but i don't want to discourage you at least you get lots of experience by doing this project.
could you explain me what is the usage of spectrophotometer here? the plastic petri dishes are sterilized and you can use them and if you want to use tubes you should first put them into an autoclave. if you tell me how you want to measure the speed of growth rate of bacteria i could help you more.
and about E,Coli O157:H7 it is a pathogen and dangerous couldn't be better and safer to use other E.Coli e.g. the normal flora one.
best regard
Kamran Banan