This study explores how middle school students interact with and understand ChatGPT, a popular generative AI tool. Through nine focus groups with 24 middle school students, the researchers identified three distinct approaches to interacting with ChatGPT: AI testing-oriented, AI socializing-oriented, and content exploring-oriented. These approaches reflect how students perceive and use AI in their daily lives. The study also highlights common conceptions and misconceptions about AI, such as the belief that AI can provide accurate answers or that it has human-like qualities. The findings suggest that informal learning environments, such as museums, can play a key role in promoting AI literacy among young people. The study emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant and engaging approaches to AI education, as well as the need for further research on how students interact with AI in different contexts. The results provide valuable insights for designing AI literacy interventions that are accessible and meaningful to middle school students.This study explores how middle school students interact with and understand ChatGPT, a popular generative AI tool. Through nine focus groups with 24 middle school students, the researchers identified three distinct approaches to interacting with ChatGPT: AI testing-oriented, AI socializing-oriented, and content exploring-oriented. These approaches reflect how students perceive and use AI in their daily lives. The study also highlights common conceptions and misconceptions about AI, such as the belief that AI can provide accurate answers or that it has human-like qualities. The findings suggest that informal learning environments, such as museums, can play a key role in promoting AI literacy among young people. The study emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant and engaging approaches to AI education, as well as the need for further research on how students interact with AI in different contexts. The results provide valuable insights for designing AI literacy interventions that are accessible and meaningful to middle school students.