Rationale: An independent study is an excellent way to get students interested at the beginning of a unit and give them a chance to share their ideas. Peak their interest with a "hook" - an event, video, or demonstration that gets students excited about the topic. Then ask them - What do you wonder about when it comes to _____? More often than not, a flurry of questions start being written down and shared. Tapping into that curiosity before students have been taught is great way to "hook" them for the whole unit.