Each summer since 1998, the Family Technology Resource Center, an award-winning after school program, has sponsored and organized a three-week Summer Extravaganza to encourage middle school students and teachers to examine “interesting” science topics. Hosted on the Georgia Tech campus and supported by GA Tech faculty and staff, Summer Extravaganza has allowed students and teachers to experience authentic learning with the world's experts in hazardous waste, robotics, engineering, environmental science, and applied mathematics. In the fall of each year, students and teachers return to their classrooms invigorated and eager to learn and teach.

In the summer of 2003 an idea hatched at Summer Extravaganza that has changed the educational landscape for elementary students in Georgia's DeKalb County. The Program, Small Fry to Go, born from a need to provide strong year-long scientific, mathematical and communications experiences for all elementary students not just a select few. It was also born from a need to involve community and expand learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day.

See Small Fry in action!

The Small Fry to Go is a BIG IDEA that has a huge impact on a school. The recipe for Small Fry to Go is simple and its impact is profound:

• Set up a Small Fry to Go trout hatchery in the courtyard of an elementary school.
• Bring in a few thousand fertilized trout eggs and nurture them for six to eight weeks.
• Orientate staff to leverage the Small Fry to Go learning experiences
• Integrate a multi-disciplinary, K – 5, standards-based Small Fry to Go curriculum through strong professional development that brings new life to learning.
• Build teams of learners by involving parents and community partner.
• Communicate ideas and feelings.
• Release Small Fry to grow in a natural environment while communities grow in their appreciation and understanding of their environment.
• Celebrate Success!