Hi, I’m Peggy Reimers. I look forward to receiving the Staff Picks email from Vimeo.

In the latest email, one title really caught my attention: “The Last Barf Bag: A Tribute to a Cultural Icon.” This 13:38-minute video dives into the quirky world of barf bag collectors and their fight to save these items from extinction. As always, I am reading items from an educator lens. So I thought, teachers if you need a semi-gross or fun topic for a health class or Halloween —especially for middle school—this has you covered. Watch video | Take a Five Question Self-Grading Quiz in Google Forms

Euphemisms for Emesis Activity

Canva Activity Template

  1. In the space below, write down as many euphemisms for vomiting as you can think of. Be creative!
  2. Circle your top three favorite euphemisms from your list.
  3. For each of your top three choices, explain why you think people use this euphemism instead of the medical term “emesis.”

Extension Activities

  1. Choose one euphemism and draw a small illustration that represents its meaning.
  2. Research and write down one euphemism for vomiting from another language or culture.
  3. Create your own new, original euphemism for vomiting and explain its meaning.
  4. Finally, write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) discussing why you think people use euphemisms for bodily functions like vomiting.

This activity combines creative thinking, cultural awareness, and reflection on language use, all while keeping the focus manageable for students

Design Challenge

Have students create a new digital design for an air sickness bag using the Canva Template or the Google Drawing Template included for the mock airline company: Cloud Nine Airlines.

Hold a Debate 

Organize a discussion on the ethics and environmental impact of single-use barf bags versus reusable options.

Science/Health Connection

Explore the physiology of motion sickness and vomiting, perhaps creating diagrams or models.

“The Last Barf Bag: A Tribute to a Cultural Icon” offers an engaging opportunity for educators to explore the quirky aspects of our culture through the lens of barf bag collectors. By incorporating creative activities and discussions into the classroom, we can encourage students to reflect on the language surrounding bodily functions, consider the environmental impact of single-use items, and understand the science of motion sickness. Feel free to modify any part to better fit your style!

Note: This is a guest blog post from Peggy Reimers. Peggy Reimers is a dynamic and innovative leader in education, serving as the Director of Professional Development for a non-profit education association in Austin, Texas. With a passion for integrating technology into learning, Peggy is a LEGO Education Ambassador and a Google Certified Trainer, leveraging her expertise to inspire educators worldwide.

Known for her creative approach to professional development, she empowers teachers to embrace new technologies and methodologies in the classroom. Peggy’s commitment to education is matched by her enthusiasm for making and creating, embodying the spirit of innovation and lifelong learning. Her mantra, “Love For All, Hatred For None,” reflects her inclusive and positive outlook on life and education