It sounds like you're really trying to ignite in your students a passion for this topic (so that their new passion will drive further inquiry on their part). T

It sounds like you're really trying to ignite in your students a passion for this topic (so that their new passion will drive further inquiry on their part). To achieve that, I think you should just teach whatever you're really passionate about. Show the students what it's like when you get to do what you love; your genuine interest in whatever-that-topic-is will shine through to the students, and hopefully show them the way. You're not gonna prepare them for a career in a few weeks; I don't think that's a healthy goal; but you can inspire them! Shoot for that!