Page 189 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

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178 The Creative Training Idea Book
Table 5-2. Common Plants for Use
in the Classroom

Areca palm Norfolk Island palm
Bamboo palm King of hearts
Boston fern Golden pathos

Corn plant Peace lily
Christmas cactus Lady palm
Dracaena Poinsettia
Dumb cane Rubber plant

Dwarf date palm Snake plant
English ivy Spider plant
Ficus Wax begonia
Chrysanthemum

cases. To counter this negative effect, strive to have open windows and/or good air
exchange throughout your sessions.
Plants have been found to be another simple, yet effective, way to offset some of the
pollution that exists in offices and training rooms. In research for the National Aeronau-
tics and Space Administration (NASA), Dr. B. C. Wolverton 21 conducted studies using
plants to remove pollutants in controlled, closed environments. He and others have found
that a number of common house plants successfully remove contaminants. The study
concluded that placing plants within an individual’s breathing zone (approximately
6–8 cubic feet surrounding the person) improves air quality. It is recommended that two
to eight small or two large plants be placed every nine square meters (900 square feet). 22

BRIGHT I DEA

Increasing Air Flow
ecause the air breathed in most training environments is likely marginal, and
Bthe average person uses less than 25 percent of his or her lung capacity, your
participants need air! To help them accomplish better air exchange, include stretching
and deep breathing activities periodically throughout your sessions. Also, depending
on outside air quality, consider opening windows whenever possible rather than
recycling air through air conditioners or other equipment.