At Capitol Hill School, environmental citizenship means learning to care for the world around us through action, responsibility, and community. It is about helping students understand that even small choices can make a meaningful difference, and that caring for the environment is something we do together.
One of the clearest examples of environmental citizenship at our school is our Geodome. Technically known as a geodesic greenhouse because of its unique architectural style, the Geodome is more than just a structure. It is a living learning space where students can explore, grow, observe, and take part in caring for plants and the environment. It brings learning to life and helps students see themselves as capable contributors to a more sustainable future.
Our Geodome Story
Originally constructed in 2017, the Geodome has become an important part of Capitol Hill School’s identity and environmental learning. Over the years, it has grown through the care, energy, and commitment of staff, students, families, and volunteers.
What began as a shared vision for outdoor and environmental learning has become a unique space that supports curiosity, stewardship, and connection. Now, nearly a decade later, the Geodome continues to evolve as part of our school community, reflecting the idea that meaningful environmental work is built over time through collaboration and care.
Learning in the Geodome
The Geodome gives students opportunities to learn in hands-on, meaningful ways. Inside this space, students can plant seeds, care for growing plants, observe changes across the seasons, and build an understanding of what living things need to thrive.
Learning in the Geodome supports many areas of the curriculum. Students develop scientific understanding as they explore plant growth, ecosystems, soil, sunlight, and water. They strengthen observation, inquiry, and problem-solving skills as they ask questions, test ideas, and learn from the growing process. The Geodome also helps students build patience, responsibility, and respect for the natural world.
Our students do not just learn about environmental stewardship - they practice it. From planting and harvesting to watering and caring for shared spaces, students experience what it means to contribute to a healthy and sustainable environment.
The Geodome also supports student leadership. Through environmental learning opportunities and shared care for this space, students build confidence and a deeper sense of connection to their school community and the natural world.
A Shared Community Effort
The Geodome is sustained not only by student learning, but by the care of the wider Capitol Hill School community. Staff, families, school council, and parent volunteers all play an important role in helping this space flourish.
Parent volunteers support the Geodome in practical and meaningful ways, including watering, basic plant care, and helping maintain a thriving space for students to explore and learn from. This ongoing support reflects an important lesson for students: caring for the environment is shared work. The Geodome thrives because people come together to invest time, effort, and care into something that benefits the whole school community.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue growing the possibilities of the Geodome. We hope to keep expanding opportunities for student learning, strengthen systems that support plant care and sustainability, and continue building student leadership in environmental stewardship.
We also look forward to continuing our partnerships with staff, school council, and parent volunteers to ensure the Geodome remains a vibrant and valued part of Capitol Hill School. As this space grows and changes, it will continue to reflect who we are as a school community: curious, caring, collaborative, and committed to environmental citizenship.
If you're interested in contributing to this important initiative and helping our school maintain this unique learning space, please contact the school office to be connected with Pam McHugh, our Geodome Coordinator.