Production of liquid fuels such as ethanol from fibrous plant biomass could potentially be a significant sustainable component of the U.S. energy portfolio. Engineers and scientists are actively researching this area, and high school students can engage in this contemporary inquiry process by experimenting with different types of biomass, varying pretreatments, and manipulating enzyme and fermentation reactions. Students show a high level of engagement and purpose in this activity, in part because they are completing investigations that parallel active areas of scientific research. The protocol to go from biomass to ethanol works well in a high school chemistry class; is adaptable to a variety of other classrooms; and allows for engagement with key aspects of the "Next Generation Science Standards."