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published by
the Collegial Centre for Educational Materials Development
written by Camil Cyr Available Languages: English, French
This item is a PBL (Problem-Based Learning) activity for introductory physics relating to conservation of momentum, frictional force, and kinetic energy. This scenario involves a car crash in which a small car is struck broadside by a vehicle of more than double its mass. Students have the task of determining whether either driver engaged in reckless driving. To solve the problem, students work cooperatively to determine the coefficient of friction on the roadway, velocity of each vehicle at the time of the crash, and velocity of the vehicles prior to braking. They will use a combination of strategies: Work-Energy Theorem and kinematic equations.
In keeping with the PBL method, students will sift through information to separate useful from irrelevant data, locate missing information on their own, and then apply physics in finding solutions. This resource includes a printable student manual and a password-protected teacher's guide with solutions and tips for instructors. (Accessing the teacher's guide requires registration with the authors.) SEE RELATED ITEMS ON THIS PAGE for a link to the full collection of PBL exercises by the same authors.
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)4. The Physical Setting
4E. Energy Transformations
4F. Motion
12. Habits of Mind
12B. Computation and Estimation
12D. Communication Skills
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics AlignmentsHigh School — Number and Quantity (9-12)
Vector and Matrix Quantities (9-12)
High School — Algebra (9-12)
Seeing Structure in Expressions (9-12)
High School — Functions (9-12)
Interpreting Functions (9-12)
Common Core State Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects 6—12
Key Ideas and Details (6-12)
Craft and Structure (6-12)
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (6-12)
Common Core State Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6—12
Research to Build and Present Knowledge (6-12)
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![]() <a href="https://www.compadre.org/portal/items/detail.cfm?ID=9633">Cyr, Camil. Problem Based Learning: Collision Investigation (1-D). Montreal: Collegial Centre for Educational Materials Development, December 31, 2008.</a>
![]() C. Cyr, (Collegial Centre for Educational Materials Development, Montreal, 2008), WWW Document, (http://pbl.ccdmd.qc.ca/resultat.php?action=clicFiche&he=1050&afficheRecherche=99&IDFiche=150&endroitRetour=99&lesMotsCles=collision).
![]() C. Cyr, Problem Based Learning: Collision Investigation (1-D) (Collegial Centre for Educational Materials Development, Montreal, 2008), <http://pbl.ccdmd.qc.ca/resultat.php?action=clicFiche&he=1050&afficheRecherche=99&IDFiche=150&endroitRetour=99&lesMotsCles=collision>.
![]() Cyr, C. (2008, December 31). Problem Based Learning: Collision Investigation (1-D). Retrieved February 16, 2025, from Collegial Centre for Educational Materials Development: http://pbl.ccdmd.qc.ca/resultat.php?action=clicFiche&he=1050&afficheRecherche=99&IDFiche=150&endroitRetour=99&lesMotsCles=collision
![]() Cyr, Camil. Problem Based Learning: Collision Investigation (1-D). Montreal: Collegial Centre for Educational Materials Development, December 31, 2008. http://pbl.ccdmd.qc.ca/resultat.php?action=clicFiche&he=1050&afficheRecherche=99&IDFiche=150&endroitRetour=99&lesMotsCles=collision (accessed 16 February 2025).
![]() Cyr, Camil. Problem Based Learning: Collision Investigation (1-D). Montreal: Collegial Centre for Educational Materials Development, 2008. 31 Dec. 2008. 16 Feb. 2025 <http://pbl.ccdmd.qc.ca/resultat.php?action=clicFiche&he=1050&afficheRecherche=99&IDFiche=150&endroitRetour=99&lesMotsCles=collision>.
![]() @misc{
Author = "Camil Cyr",
Title = {Problem Based Learning: Collision Investigation (1-D)},
Publisher = {Collegial Centre for Educational Materials Development},
Volume = {2025},
Number = {16 February 2025},
Month = {December 31, 2008},
Year = {2008}
}
![]() %A Camil Cyr %T Problem Based Learning: Collision Investigation (1-D) %D December 31, 2008 %I Collegial Centre for Educational Materials Development %C Montreal %U http://pbl.ccdmd.qc.ca/resultat.php?action=clicFiche&he=1050&afficheRecherche=99&IDFiche=150&endroitRetour=99&lesMotsCles=collision %O application/ms-word ![]() %0 Electronic Source %A Cyr, Camil %D December 31, 2008 %T Problem Based Learning: Collision Investigation (1-D) %I Collegial Centre for Educational Materials Development %V 2025 %N 16 February 2025 %8 December 31, 2008 %9 application/ms-word %U http://pbl.ccdmd.qc.ca/resultat.php?action=clicFiche&he=1050&afficheRecherche=99&IDFiche=150&endroitRetour=99&lesMotsCles=collision Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. This resource is stored in 14 shared folders. You must login to access shared folders. Problem Based Learning: Collision Investigation (1-D):
Is Part Of
Problem Based Learning for College Physics
This is the full collection of Problem-Based Learning activities compiled and written by the same authors. Topics include kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, circular motion, and conservation of energy. relation by Lyle Barbato
Is a Teaching Guide For
Physics Classroom: Using Equations as a Recipe for Algebraic Problem-Solving
Is a Teaching Guide For
Physics Classroom: The Law of Action-Reaction (Revisited)
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Physics Classroom: Analysis of Situations Involving External Forces
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