Here are the descriptions of Middle School Summer P.E.A.K.S. offered For 2012.  These programs and dates are subject to change. All Programs are $350 unless otherwise noted.

 Applications will be available in Mid-February. 

Astronaut Cadet - June 11-15

(Rising 6^th-7^th)

The Astronaut Cadet program will use space travel and astronaut training to excite and educate students in the fields of math, science and technology. Students will learn what it takes to have the "right stuff" and will develop teamwork, self-confidence and communication as they strive to earn their astronaut wings.  Students will learn about Newton's Laws through the construction of rocket racers, explore chemical reactions as they create fizzy rockets, and learn to calculate altitudes as they build and launch Estes Model rockets.  Students will also explore the Space Shuttle and International Space Station, sample and evaluate space food, learn about living and working in space, and discover new information about our future efforts to explore the moon and Mars. 

LEGO Mindstorms I - June 11-15

(rising 7^th-9^th) 

Explore the world of robotics by designing and building a robot that solves real-life challenges.  Teams of students will explore and apply physical science and mathematics concepts to program LEGO Mindstorms robots to clean up parks, rescue pets from burning buildings and various other scenarios.  Student teams will showcase their robots at the end of the week by running them through these scenarios.

Industrial Design: Designing the World Around You! – June 11-15

(Rising 7^th-9^th)

Ever wonder who designed that new soft drink machine, that gorgeous lamp, or the car that you drive?  It was a creative, resourceful industrial designer!  Come learn how art and science meet in the exciting world of innovative product design.  Experienced designers and engaging Georgia Tech faculty will teach this hands-on camp in the industrial design studio.  Together you'll explore why everyday objects are made the way they are, and how they can be made better.  You'll put your creative talents to use as you learn professional design processes of drawing and modeling, and propose designs for your very own products.  You'll leave camp with a new understanding of this exciting profession, and portfolio-ready images of your own design work.

Mobile Academy I: Intro to Mobile App/Game Development for MS - June 18 – June 22

(Rising 7th-9th) No experience required.

Think you have what it takes to create the next "Angry Birds" viral iPhone game and become the next millionaire? Come to Mobile Academy I: Intro and find out. This fun-filled week for students teaches the basics of App/Game creation for Apple and Android handheld devices using the free visual development environment Gamesalad. Along the way you will learn the fundamentals of user interface design, touch controls, graphics editing, and app/game design. The week culminates with students working on projects of their own choice to be presented

LEGO Mindstorms I - June 18- June 22

(Rising 7^th-9^th)

Explore the world of robotics by designing and building a robot that solves real-life challenges.  Teams of students will explore and apply physical science and mathematics concepts to program LEGO Mindstorms robots to clean up parks, rescue pets from burning buildings and various other scenarios.  Student teams will showcase their robots at the end of the week by running them through these scenarios.

Mobile Academy I: Intro to Mobile App/Game Development for MS - June 25 – June 29

(Rising 7th-9th) No experience required.

Think you have what it takes to create the next "Angry Birds" viral iPhone game and become the next millionaire? Come to Mobile Academy I: Intro and find out. This fun-filled week for students teaches the basics of App/Game creation for Apple and Android handheld devices using the free visual development environment Gamesalad. Along the way you will learn the fundamentals of user interface design, touch controls, graphics editing, and app/game design. The week culminates with students working on projects of their own choice to be presented.

Nanotechnology: Tiny Design for a Big World! - July 9 - July 13 

(Rising 7th-9th) 

This course for middle school is designed to be an introduction to nanotechnology which is an exciting field where the disciplines of science and engineering interconnect. Through nanoscale science and engineering (NSE), scientists are able to manipulate individual atoms and molecules to make new devices and materials. During this five-day course, students will explore what is unique about NSE and complete numerous hands-on activities that will open up the world of nano including – shape memory alloys, magnetic nanoparticles, liquid crystals, among others. Students will learn about the processes used to create today's modern electronics.  This program is offered in partnership with GT's Nanotechnology Research Center and the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (

Mobile Academy I: Intro to Mobile App/Game Development for MS - July 9 – July 13

(Rising 7th-9th) No experience required.

Think you have what it takes to create the next "Angry Birds" viral iPhone game and become the next millionaire? Come to Mobile Academy I: Intro and find out. This fun-filled week for students teaches the basics of App/Game creation for Apple and Android handheld devices using the free visual development environment Gamesalad. Along the way you will learn the fundamentals of user interface design, touch controls, graphics editing, and app/game design. The week culminates with students working on projects of their own choice to be presented.

LEGO Mindstorms I - July 16 – July 20 

(Rising 7^th-9^th)

Explore the world of robotics by designing and building a robot that solves real-life challenges.  Teams of students will explore and apply physical science and mathematics concepts to program LEGO Mindstorms robots to clean up parks, rescue pets from burning buildings and various other scenarios.  Student teams will showcase their robots at the end of the week by running them through these scenarios.

LEGO Mindstorms II - July 23 - July27

(Rising 7^th-9^th) Previous experience with LEGO Mindstorms robotics is required.

Go deeper into the world of robotics by designing and building more sophisticated robots that tackle difficult problems.  Students will explore advanced programming and sensing concepts related to LEGO Mindstorms robots.  Teams will compete against one another at the end of the week in various challenge activities.  (Previous experience with LEGO Mindstorms robotics is required.)