Big Numbers

by John Gribbin, Mary Gribbin

A brilliant and imaginative book for 10-12 year olds which paints a fascinating picture of the comparative scale of phenomena in our world, from the vast to the infinitesimal. Ages 10-12 years.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Mathematics

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2002

About the author

John R. Gribbin is a British science writer, an astrophysicist, and a visiting fellow in astronomy at the University of Sussex. His writings include quantum physics, human evolution, climate change, global warming, the origins of the universe, and biographies of famous scientists. He also writes science fiction.

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. Don't be fooled by the drawings in it--many substantial topics are covered ranging from subnuclear particles, fractals and geohistory. What's great about the book is even the most complex thing are explained clearly and with great clarity. There is also lots of information about the history of science and one of the best explanations of Avogadro's Number I've ever read. It is appropriate for sophisticated high schoolers and up I think. I relearned a lot about science I had forgotten and some new things.

[Cara Schwarz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit basic for me but I did enjoy it and did learn a few things ...

[Willie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun science facts

[Daniel Noventa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of information, but is not one of those life changing books. Just quick facts.

[Hollis Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice summary of various scientific ideas and discoveries.