How can we build a slide for a toy bear that has a barrier to stop the bear from hitting the ground?

Today we completed the culminating activity for our push/pull science unit! Remember we started with our big question:
How do different pushes and pulls affect the motion of an object?
After gathering data to answer this question we asked:
How does the design of an object affect the speed or direction of an object?
After experimenting to answer this question we combined all we learned to meet this challenge head on!
We became safety engineers challenged with the task of designing safe playground equipment...
So...
How can we build a slide for a toy bear that has a barrier to stop the bear from hitting the ground?
First, we took a trip to the design studio to gather materials.
Next, each group took a look at what they had collected and, after some thinking and careful observation, chose additional objects from the classroom to aid in building their structure.
After that...they got to work!!
First...planning and discussing ideas based on the materials they collected:

Next they got to work on the building:

Then these designers presented their structures to the class:

After the presentations, these engineers made some observations...

When the barrier was heavier and sturdier, it worked better. For example, two large blocks were a much better barrier that smaller blocks taped together.

They also noticed that having barriers along the sides of the slide helped to keep the bear safe as well!

Another discovery was the importance of texture. Two rough objects did not slide as easily as when an object was smooth.

Soooo... they got back to work to make changes:

This group added sides to keep their bear from falling off

This group added some smooth patches to help their bear slide easier

This group added some padding to their barrier to keep their bear safe

Then, of course, these designers recorded their structures as drawings. We all know that we must record our discoveries in order to build and make new ones!