If you are a homeschool parent looking for high school geography resources, Barron’s AP Human Geography is a fantastic resource to consider. This guide is packed with useful tools and detailed content that can make the learning process smoother and more effective.
Our Personal Experience with Barron’s AP Human Geography
After our extensive geography studies in elementary school and junior high, we were looking for the right resources for high school. Since we started dual-credit studies (earning both high school and college credits simultaneously), we considered preparing for the DSST Introduction to Geography exam. After doing a lot of research, we found that Barron’s AP Human Geography came highly recommended.
Even though this curriculum is primarily focused on preparing students for the AP Human Geography exam, many students taking the DSST Introduction to Geography exam also achieve excellent results with it. Additionally, even if your student isn’t planning to take either of these exams, it remains a very comprehensive and valuable curriculum for any high schooler.
Why Is This Curriculum Worth It?
Comprehensive Content
The book starts with an easy-to-understand overview of the AP Human Geography exam, breaking down what your student can expect. Each chapter focuses on one of the key topics like population, cultural patterns, political geography, agriculture, and urban development. The information is presented clearly, with important terms and concepts highlighted, making it easier for your student to grasp and remember.
Practice Tests
One of the best features of this book is the six full-length practice tests. These tests are designed to closely match the real AP exam in both format and difficulty. They offer a great way for your student to practice under exam-like conditions. Each test comes with detailed explanations for every answer, helping your student understand any mistakes and learn from them. There is also a diagnostic test at the beginning, which is very helpful for pinpointing areas where your student might need more focus.
Extra Learning Materials
Barron’s AP Human Geography doesn’t stop at just practice tests. Throughout the chapters, there are plenty of practice questions that reinforce the material. The glossary and index are thorough, making it easy to find specific topics quickly. Plus, the book comes with online resources, including additional practice tests and review materials, which are a great bonus.
What We Loved
- Thorough Coverage: This book covers all the major topics in AP Human Geography in detail, ensuring your student gets a comprehensive understanding.
- Realistic Practice Tests: The four full-length practice tests provide excellent preparation for the real exam and/or reinforcement of the learned subject.
- Detailed Explanations: Clear explanations for each answer help your student learn from their mistakes and improve.
- Additional Resources: The extra practice questions and online materials add significant value.
Things to Consider
- Depth of Material: The book is very detailed, which is great but can be a bit overwhelming. It might take some careful planning to get through everything.
- Practice Test Variety: While the practice tests are great, they can feel a little bit repetitive. A bit more variety in question types and difficulty could be helpful.
Final Thoughts
Barron’s AP Human Geography is an excellent resource for homeschool parents who want to help their students do well on the AP Human Geography exam, DSST Introduction to Geography exam, or achieve a high school credit. The detailed content, realistic practice tests, and clear explanations make it a valuable tool. Although the depth of the material can be a bit much at times, the book’s organization and supplementary resources make it manageable. If you are committed to your student’s success, this guide is definitely worth considering.
