Filling in the Gaps: An Explicit Protocol for Scaffolding Inquiry Lessons

This article introduces a detailed protocol for scaffolding inquiry lessons, aimed at preservice science teachers. It emphasizes the importance of scaffolding in inquiry-based learning to help students focus on core scientific concepts by breaking down the content into manageable chunks. The paper discusses the theoretical framework, development, and implementation of the inquiry scaffolding protocol to improve the quality of both written and oral prompts in science education.