AFA Sponsors GROW Event to Empower STEM Lessons for Texas Students
April 9, 2026
More than 70 fifth- and sixth-grade students at Sulphur Springs Elementary School in North Texas participated in an engaging, hands-on science lesson focused on the effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays, as part of the GROW (Girls Recognizing Our Worth) program.
The March 26 event, one of four initiatives sponsored by AFA’s Northeast Texas Chapter 416 (AFA416), was led by educator Bryan Cole, a past Teacher of the Year for the chapter. Cole designed an accessible and interactive presentation to help students better understand both the benefits and risks associated with sun exposure.
While sunlight plays an important role in maintaining overall health, students learned that excessive exposure to UV radiation can have harmful effects. To illustrate this concept, participants created bracelets using UV-sensitive beads. The beads remain white indoors but change to vibrant colors when exposed to UV light outdoors, providing a visual demonstration of the sun’s invisible rays.
Through the activity, students observed that UV radiation is present even on cloudy days and discussed practical ways to reduce exposure, including the use of sunscreen and protective clothing. The experiment offered a simple yet impactful introduction to an important environmental and health topic.
“It is wonderful to see how these girls can learn from such easy, yet powerful experiments,” said Pat Heidelman, a community-based leader with AFA416, who attended the event.
AFA416 continues to support educators like Cole and Jodi Andoe, Assistant CTE/CCMR Director, in delivering meaningful educational opportunities through the GROW program.