In this publication, we describe the "Paper to Plastics program (P2P) that has been developed in the chemistry department at Boston College. Through a series of laboratory experiments based on existing literature and industrial techniques we have created a sequence of modules that harness biological catalysts as well as traditional chemistry techniques to ransform used office paper into biodegradable plastic (Scheme 1). Each experiment introduces students to salient topics in biology and chemistry, such as biological and chemical catalysis, chemical reactions, and organic smthesis Though a broad range of topics is addressed, the techniques detailed are designed to be comprehensible and fuly At every stage, there is opportunity for inquiry and adaptation. As such, the P2P program can be readily tailored to a variety of academic settings. Our aim through P2P is to cultivate excitement for scientific research in students by allowing them to work on a process that is both stimulating and socially relevant. Under the guidance of two undergraduate mentors, six high-school students carried out this suite of experiments in the summer of 2013. In the summer of 2014, the program will be extended to 16 high school students