Scientists from Bristol's University of the West of England are teaming up with the Orchard School in Monks Park and Downend School to help teenagers become science communicators.

A series of workshops and practical activities entitled Evolving Communities will take place at the schools to explore evolution.

Dr Dawn Arnold from UWE said: "As this is Darwin year, it presents a great opportunity to create a multi layered project that not only inspires excitement around evolution in science but takes things a step further.

"We aim to arm the school students with knowledge and ideas to 'evolve' into science communicators themselves.

"We will hold a series of sessions looking at different aspects of evolution. UWE scientists will share their expertise and bring the theory of evolution to life.

"A good example is how wheat has been selectively bred over hundreds of years to produce grain with husks that easily fall apart, making it easier to produce flour and hence bread, our staple food," she added.

Plant biologist Dr Ian Wilson will take examples of different grains that he has grown especially for the workshops to show how important it is to "manufacture" grain that can be easily turned into flour.

Other activities include a practical demonstration showing how scientists extract the genetic material DNA from plants, in this case bananas, using solvents.

A session on natural selection will look at how animals with similar appearances are significantly adapted to their different habitats.

Matt Grafton, head of science at Orchard School Bristol, said: "Evolving Communities is a great idea and we're delighted to welcome UWE experts to the school to inspire the students with some exciting scientific concepts. This work neatly dovetails curriculum topics and will give the children a better understanding and appreciation of the wider significance of evolutionary theory. The contact with real scientists and the opportunity to become science communicators also gives students a broader understanding of how science concepts have tangible meaning in our every day lives."

Evolving Communities is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.