This work further implements the "elements of inquiry" approach in a first-year undergraduate laboratory course, in a two-part inquiry sequence. In the first part of the sequence, students iteratively develop a "best-practice" TLC procedure. In the second part, students iteratively optimize a simple organic reaction using TLC, making experimental design choices within a controlled environment. The work has been well-received by students and instructors, as a reflection of real-world research challenges introduced at a first-year level.