The Universe Explained with a Cookie: What Baking Cookies Can Teach Us About Quantum Mechanics, Cosmology, Evolution, Chaos, Complexity, and More

by Geoffrey Engelstein, Michael Korfhage (Illustrator)

A heavily illustrated, accessible, humorous exploration of the scientific principles of the universe—all explained with a chocolate chip cookie.

Did you know that the number of atoms in a cookie is about the same as the number of stars in the universe? Geoff Engelstein tackles the big questions of the universe and how it works using the sweet, simple chocolate chip cookie as guide. By exploring what goes into the cookie—the ingredients and the steps—we learn about how everything works, from the tiny world of subatomic particles to galactic clusters. Filled with fascinating facts and laugh-out-loud moments, it's a richly visual and deeply fascinating scientific exploration of the world. And cookies. A must for fans of Randall Munroe! Topics include: The Big Bang Explained with Chocolate Chips. Quantum Mechanics Explained with Milk and Cookies. Chaos Explained with Vanilla. And more!

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Anne]

I was a little skeptical but this books does a great job of making difficult science concepts relatable and understandable. By using analogies from the baking of chocolate chip cookies and other cookie related concepts, as well as some humor, Engelstein has produced explanations for quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and more!
One of my students read it and we both stated how clearly the ideas were presented and therefore how much more understandable it all was after reading this book. Recommend!

[Andrea]

A very interesting and creative take on science and understanding everything in/around us. The book makes dense and complex concepts more "digestable" by relating them to baking, and I certainly learned a lot from it.

[Jennifer]

I need more chocolate chip cookie universes in my life.

[Ginny Fisher]

A fascinating explanation of our complex world using basic ingredients that we all use and understand: those found in cookies. An engaging read.

[Brian]

Wonderful breakdown of science concepts....I was just up for reading for entertainment than education (why it took me 3 months to read)

[Sherri Anderson]

A great way to teach kids about the universe. it was a fun read.

[Tina]

Interesting look at a variety of scientific topics using food/baking metaphors.