Ask the students to describe the objects without getting their hands wet or removing any of the water. As a class, examine the large map of Antarctica 1. Researchers have been trying to figure out what is under the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica for many decades. The students may suggest that the researchers dig holes to see what is under the ice. However, the ice cores are expensive.
Scientists have other tools that they use.
These will be explored in another activity. Tell each group that they will use their clay to construct a landscape in their box. The landscape can look however they wish - it can have oceans and mountains and arches. After the student groups have prepared their boxes, have them put the top on the box and secure it with tape. Ask the student groups exchange boxes.