Ms.

Gibson’s
th
12 Grade Biology Class Newsletter

February, 2018

Memorable Moments

January has left our class with an abundance of unforgettable memories!

This month we embark to create new learning experiences with many
engaging and interactive activities. Please ensure that you join us on
Valentine’s Day as we celebrate National Organ Donor Day and mark
February 21-28 on your calendar as Mid-term Break.

FOCUS ON
This month we will have a parent volunteer in our
class during the day to help us with our lab work.
Mrs. Romer is a geneticist and will assist with our
Genetics labs, so please ensure to welcome her
when she arrives! For additional information on
the labs see the section entitled What’s
Happening in Biology Class!
CLASSROOM NEWS
The week of February 5-9th we will be
completing our current unit of study, The Cell
with the concentration on Mitosis and Meiosis.
Get a head start by checking this link
http://www.johnkyrk.com/mitosis.html which
will take you through a step by step animation of
mitosis and meiosis designed by Mr. John Kirk.
February 12th we will begin our new Unit which
focuses on Genetics.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BIOLOGY
CLASS
We will soon begin a new unit on Genetics.
Modern genetics began with the work of the
Augustinian friar Gregor Johann Mendel. His
work on pea plants, published in 1866, described
what came to be known as Mendelian inheritance.
It is this work that has coined him the “father of
genetics”. One of the labs we will be completing
involves an online simulation with Drosophilia
flies. So, check out this activity ahead of time &
see how you can manipulate future generations of
flies. http://web.mit.edu/star/genetics/index.html

Genetics is important aspects of Science used to diagnose, treat,

prevent and cure many illnesses. Thus, we can help your children
understand their own health and make healthy choices. Please do
not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments.
Remember, you are always welcome to participate and be apart of
the learning experience.