Education Grant in Action: Observing Chromosomes
Using tools purchased with funds from an OVCEF Education Grant, Mr. Moll's Principles of Biomedial Science class recently had the chance to dive into the fascinating world of chromosomes through a hands-on lab. Using tools like microscope slides, pipettes, and stains, students learned how to prepare and analyze cells, gaining practical skills essential for future careers in the medical field.
During the lab, the students carefully dropped cells from pipettes onto microscope slides, aiming to break the nucleus so the chromosomes inside could be exposed. They then used dye to make the chromosomes visible under the microscope. After they completed this portion, Mr. Moll explained how this process connects to real-world applications, such as analyzing karyotypes (visual representations of an individual's complete set of chromosomes). These analyses are often used in high-risk pregnancies, such as when a woman over the age of 35 is expecting, to identify potential chromosomal abnormalities.
The students explored actual karyotype, determining whether the chromosome came from a male or female and identifying chromosomal abnormalities. This activity gave tehm a deeper understanding of how biology is applied in real-life medical scenarios.
In addition to the science, the lab also focused on critical foundational skills that studnets will use repeatedly in the medial field. They practiced the proper use of protective gear, including lab aprons and safety glasses, and learned how to safely remove medical gloves - an essential step in maintaining a sterile environment.
This lab is a prime example of how OVCEF Education Grants provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning that goes beyond the textbook. It's experiences like this that prepare students for future success in STEM and medical careers.
We're proud to support these educational opportunities and are excited to see the next generation of scientists and medial professionals devloping their skills right here in the Oley Valley.
More OVCEF Blog Posts to catch up on
The Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF) is proud to celebrate its sixth year of supporting the Oley Valley Community Library’s Summer Learning Program. Through our ongoing financial support, we help make it possible for the Library to offer a wide range of engaging educational activities that keep students learning, exploring, and growing all summer long. We are honored to partner with the Library in this important effort and are excited to see another summer filled with opportunity and enrichment for our community’s youth. Check out this summer's weekly lineup: June 6: Berks Conservation District Join Jennifer Brooks with the Berks Conservation District to discover the amazing lives of honeybees, powerful pollinators of native flowers and local crops. Dance the waggle dance, learn how they make honey, and investigate their powers of pollination. A great introduction to foster curiosity with our future beekeepers. Book of the Week: "I am Bee" June 13: Tale Wise Join Science Heroes on our mission to turn science into an adventure. Discover how fun and colorful science can be with chemical reactions, air pressure, physical explosions, and more. Do not miss this interactive learning adventure. Book of the Week: "The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science" June 20: The Bugman Nature is all about colors. Bugs and insects have almost unlimited colors. We will focus on how bugs and insects use color to survive. You will get a chance o pet and hold live bugs! Book of the Week: "Bugs A to Z" June 27: Ridiculous Nicholas Nicholas is returning to our library for Summer Learning! This is a family-friendly comedy and variety show. He has been featured on the Jimmy Fallon Show.. Book of the Week: "The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids" - Please note there will be no Summer Learning Program on July 4 July 11: KooKoo the Cartoon Magician KooKoo's show focuses on interaction with the children in the audience just as much as it is about performing magic! Come to the library to see a cartoon magic show. Book of the Week: "Magic Tricks for Kids" July 18: Circus Skills You will have firsthand experience in learning how to perform certain juggling skills. You will see a demonstration of these skills and will have lots of opportunities to try these skills yourself. Bring on the fun! Book of the Week: "So You Want to Learn: Juggling" July 25: Yocum Institute The Yocum Institute will feature an original play written for young audiences by a student from Albright College. The play takes a student struggling to find inspiration to start an art project. You will go on a fantastic journey, turning paintings into portals to a magical and far off land. Book of the Week: "On Stage" August 1: Party Animal Express This is an entertaining animal program that introduces you to animals through educational facts and stories. You will learn about their natural lives and how they interact with people. You will have the opportunity to pet some of the animals. Book of the Week: "Animal Alphabet" The Summer Learning Program is held in Weidner Hall in Friedens UCC Church, above the library, and it begins promptly at 10:30am. We appreciate the church allowing us to use their space so that more families can enjoy the Summer Learning Program! Please keep in mind that the Summer Learning Programs are designed for school-age children, and presentations may not be of interest to younger children. The library appreciates your help in keeping your children seated and quiet during the programs. Oley Valley Community Library 339 Main Street, Oley 484-491-1278 www.oleyvalleylibrary.com
At the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation (OVCEF), we believe that no student should have to put their education or career goals on hold due to financial hardship. That’s why we’re proud to support our Tools of the Trade Program —an initiative that helps Oley Valley High School students attending the Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC) cover the cost of essential items such as books, uniforms, and tools. For students pursuing hands-on, career-oriented programs at BCTC, the cost of materials and supplies can add up quickly. These items are critical to their success, and we are committed to ensuring that every Oley Valley student has the opportunity to thrive—regardless of their financial situation. This year, OVCEF was honored to assist four Oley Valley students through Tools of the Trade grants. These students are working hard in diverse and in-demand programs, including: Electrical Occupations Health Occupations Video and Media Content Production Heavy Equipment Technology Their dedication and drive are inspiring, and we are proud to be a small part of their journey. If you are a student or a parent/guardian of a student attending BCTC who may need financial support for program-related expenses, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The first step is to contact your guidance counselor , who can work with OVCEF to access available funds and get you the assistance you need. Let's work together to remove financial barriers and open doors to bright futures for our students! Because when our students succeed, our community thrives.
At OVCEF, we're committed to supporting innovative learning opportunities for students that prepare them for future success. One of our recent Education Grants brought cutting-edge technology to Oley Valley High School's Agriculture Program - the Vet Tech Anatomage Table. This interactive 3D table is a game-changer for students interested in veterinary science. It allows them to explore detailed, life-sized images of animal anatomy, including organs, body systems, and the effects of diseases and injuries. With a touch screen interface, students can rotate, zoom, and dissect virtual animal models, gaining a deeper understanding of how the body works - something traditional textbooks just can't provide. One of the most exciting features of this technology is its diagnostic capabilities. The table presents real-world medical cases, showing the effects of injuries or illnesses on an animal's body. Students can analyze symptoms, work through possible causes, and develop critical thinking skills as they move from effect to diagnosis - just like they would in a real veterinary setting. Plus, with a built-in quiz feature, students can test their knowldge in real-time, reinforcing what they've learned and preparing them for future studies in veterinary medicine, animal science, and related fields. This is just one example of how OVCEF is making a difference in students' lives. By funding state-of-the-art educational resources, we're ensuring that Oley Valley students have opportunities to explore their passions, gain hands-on experience, and build the skills they need for a successful future. We're proud to support the next generation of veterinarians, animal care professionals, and science enthusiasts through initiatives like this. Stay tuned for more updates on how our grants are shaping the future of education in our community!