Holly Dasher teaches AP Human Geography at Compass Academy, a Project-Based Learning (PBL) high school in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She has 15 years of experience teaching the course, 13 of which have been through a PBL approach. In addition to AP Human Geography, Holly teaches AP U.S. Government and Politics, as well as a variety of other social studies courses, including cross-curricular offerings, all taught through a PBL lens.
Holly was part of the team that created the PBL curriculum for AP Human Geography to support a more student-centered and inquiry-driven learning experience. She also serves as the PBL instructional coach at Compass Academy, where she supports educators in creating authentic, engaging, and meaningful learning opportunities. Holly is an AP Exam Reader for AP Human Geography and is passionate about introducing teachers to the power of PBL in the AP classroom.
AP Human Geography Project Based Learning Summer Institute
Course Description
In this AP Human Geography Summer Institute, participants will receive hands-on instruction in implementing Project-Based Learning (PBL) units intentionally designed to align with the AP Human Geography Course and Exam Description. Teachers will gain insight into effective classroom implementation of these projects and also experience portions of the projects from a learner’s perspective to better understand the student experience.
Throughout the institute, participants will learn how AP Human Geography content and skills are authentically embedded within six major projects, each designed to promote knowledge and skill development needed for the AP Exam while encouraging real-world application. They will also explore PBL best practices, including strategies for supporting students as they transition into a collaborative, inquiry-driven learning environment.
Participants will have dedicated time to collaborate with colleagues and the instructor to develop calendars, plan implementation, and adapt the projects to the specific needs of their classrooms. By the end of the institute, attendees will leave with a clear plan and the readiness to launch PBL in their AP Human Geography courses. The institute will also introduce ongoing support opportunities throughout the school year to help teachers successfully implement PBL in their classrooms.
No advance preparation is required. Participants can simply arrive ready to engage, collaborate, and learn.
