Five Little Monkeys Swinging on Bars (the 'why' of shapes)
Why Can’t Monkey Bars Be Other Shapes?
Have you ever wondered why monkey bars are the shape they are? Let’s think about it!
If monkey bars were shaped like triangles, they would be too pointy for hanging. It would be really uncomfortable! If they were spheres, the bars would just spin around, making it hard to hold on.
Using 2D shapes wouldn’t work either. For example, if the bars were rectangles like the ones on the sides, they wouldn’t be sturdy enough for swinging. You wouldn’t be able to grip them well, either!
Now, let’s talk about why monkey bars are so high. They need to be elevated so that when you swing, you can’t touch the ground. If they were lower, you wouldn’t be able to swing freely. But if they were too high, it would be difficult to drop down safely or even climb up in the first place. So, there’s a perfect balance to keep things fun and safe!
— Sarah Jenkins (P6)