Fermentation: Root Beer

Making Root Beer

Dr. Fankhauser has an excellent explanation and photographs of the root-beer-making process. Please go there to see how it’s done, and while you’re there, you may also wish to follow his link to his ginger ale recipe. Do heed his warnings about bottles exploding if left too long at room temperature. We have had bottles explode overnight in the lab area, and the root beer that was sprayed out managed to land on all four walls and the ceiling, as well as the floor, and in the water of a nearby, covered aquarium.

Other Things to Include in Your Notebook

Make sure you have all of the following in your lab notebook:

• all handout pages (in notebook or separate protocol book)
• if we do the lab, all notes you take during the introductory mini-lecture
• if we do the lab, all notes and data you gather as you perform the experiment
• if we do the lab, drawings of any “new” equipment used
• if we do the lab, a summary/conclusion in your own words, and any suggestions you may have
• any returned, graded pop quiz