Each October, we invite teachers and schools to think about what would make a difference in their classrooms. In 2017-18, our grant awards ranged from $396 to $5,000. We bought frogs for dissection, sent fourth-graders to the state capital, equipped greenhouses, bought iPads with anatomy apps, subscribed to science magazines, purchased classroom libraries and much more. Here's a breakdown by category .

Wolfle 5th-grade teacher Stephanie Zanati funded monthly "hands-on, minds-on" STEM challenges with her Foundation grant. The projects taught problem-solving and perseverance. They also encouraged students to think of themselves in new ways. "Kids who don't typically identify themselves (or their peers) as 'smart' saw themselves and each other in a completely different light."

Here's what kids had to say about Foundation grants. A student using iPads in NKHS athletic medicine: "Some of the apps allow you to see a 3D view of the human body..." A Vinland 4th grader about a field trip: "In the Capitol, the most fun part was acting out a real lawyer thing. I learned so much about Olympia..." A Gordon 4th grader: "Have you ever had a STEM Day? I have."