Empowering Middle Grades: Gemini for Inquiry and Critical Thinking (Grades 6–8) is an invitation to bring AI into the heart of student thinking, creativity, and collaboration. In this hands-on session, participants will discover how Gemini can serve as a dynamic classroom partner—sparking engaging debate topics, supporting thoughtful research, scaffolding complex projects, and generating personalized review tools. Participants will also explore strategies for designing AI-resistant assignments that spotlight student voice and original thought. They will leave with ready-to-use strategies, time-saving tools, and a fresh perspective on how AI can elevate learning while keeping curiosity and critical thinking front and center.