Show students how Brussels sprouts grow on a tight stem and can provide many protected homes for insects — both pests and beneficials. Brainstorm with students about what plants and insects need to survive. Then walk through the school yard or garden to look for plants showing evidence of being eaten by animals or insects. Discuss ways that plants protect themselves from insect damage and ways that humans can also protect plants. The Tale of Peter Rabbit
by Beatrix Potter is a classic tale showing how other critters may also want to eat food we plant and can be used as either an introduction or conclusion to this lesson.