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Make a glacier simulation

Make a glacier simulation
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Build a simple glacier model using ice, clay, rocks, salt, and a tray to observe glacier movement, erosion, and deposition safely.

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Step-by-step guide to make a glacier simulation

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Using a Simulation to Understand how Glaciers Behave

What you need
Adult supervision required, ice, modeling clay, paper towel, shallow tray, small rocks or pebbles, spoon, table salt, water in a cup

Step 1

Put the tray on a flat surface.

Step 2

Place the paper towel under the tray to catch meltwater.

Step 3

Mold the modeling clay into a valley shape at one end of the tray to make the glacier bed.

Step 4

Scatter the small rocks and pebbles across the clay valley to act as bedrock and obstacles.

Step 5

Place the ice block or a pile of ice cubes at the top edge of the tray so it can move down the valley.

Step 6

Sprinkle a small pinch of table salt onto the top and front edge of the ice.

Step 7

Spoon a small amount of water in front of the ice to create a thin lubricating layer.

Step 8

Gently nudge the top of the ice once to encourage sliding if it does not move on its own.

Step 9

Watch the ice for two to three minutes and look for movement and rocks being pushed or carried.

Step 10

Add another small pinch of salt or one more spoonful of water to see how the movement or erosion changes.

Step 11

Use the spoon to gently press into the clay to look for grooves scraped by the ice.

Step 12

Look around the clay bed and point out where rocks were deposited after being carried by the ice.

Step 13

Pour the meltwater from the tray carefully into the sink with an adult's help.

Step 14

Wipe and dry the tray and the area with the paper towel.

Step 15

Share a photo and what you observed about glacier movement erosion and deposition on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use instead of modeling clay or an ice block if I don't have them?

If you don't have modeling clay, use play‑dough or tightly rolled aluminum foil to mold a valley at one end of the tray so an ice cube pile or smaller ice blocks placed at the top edge can still slide down.

My ice won't move—what should I try?

If the ice won't move, sprinkle another small pinch of table salt onto the top/front edge, spoon a thin layer of water in front of the ice, and give the top of the ice one gentle nudge to create lubrication and encourage sliding as in the instructions.

How can I change the activity for different ages?

For ages 3–5 remove small rocks and have an adult set up the tray and pour meltwater while the child watches, for 6–8 let kids scatter pebbles and nudge the ice with supervision, and for 9+ have them vary salt/water amounts, time movement, and use the spoon to examine grooves in the clay.

How can we make the experiment more challenging or unique?

To enhance the activity, add food coloring to the spooned water to trace meltwater paths, create two clay valleys with different slopes or rock sizes to compare erosion and deposition, and photograph each run to share observations on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a glacier simulation

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How do glaciers shape the landscape? Animation from geog.1 Kerboodle.

4 Videos

Facts about glaciers

🧊 Glaciers cover about 10% of Earth's land surface and store roughly 69% of the planet's freshwater.

🪨 Rocks and debris carried by glaciers grind bedrock into grooves called striations and pile up as moraines when the ice melts.

🧂 Salt lowers ice's freezing point, so sprinkling a little salt makes ice melt faster—useful for classroom melting demos (use safely and sparingly).

🌍 Some glaciers creep only a few centimeters per year, while surge glaciers can advance meters or even tens of meters in a single day.

🔬 Under huge pressure, glacier ice deforms and flows like a very slow, cold river, which is why glaciers move and reshape landscapes.

How do you make a glacier simulation?

To build the glacier simulation, shape modeling clay in a shallow tray to form slopes and valleys. Freeze water in a small container with pebbles to create an ice block. Place the ice block on the clay slope, tilt the tray slightly, and sprinkle a little salt at the ice base to encourage meltwater and basal slip. Watch the ice move, observe rock plucking and deposition, and photograph changes over time. Supervise and mop up spills promptly.

What materials do I need for a glacier simulation?

You need a shallow tray, modeling clay to shape the landscape, frozen ice blocks (made in small containers), and small rocks or pebbles to act as debris. Add coarse salt to speed melting, a cup of water, towels, and adult supervision. Optional extras: food coloring for meltwater visibility, an eye dropper or spoon to add water, a camera for time-lapse, and gloves for cold hands.

What ages is this glacier activity suitable for?

This activity suits children roughly aged 4–12 with adult supervision. Ages 4–6 should watch demonstrations and do simple tasks because of small rocks and cold ice hazards. Ages 7–9 can help shape the clay and position the ice with guidance. Ages 10+ can design experiments, change slopes, record observations, and compare results. Always supervise closely to prevent ingestion of materials and slips from wet surfaces.

What are the benefits and safety tips for a glacier model?

Benefits: hands-on learning about glacier movement, erosion, and deposition, which builds observation, prediction, and fine motor skills. Safety tips: use a shallow tray to contain water, keep towels nearby, and avoid tiny rocks for very young children. Prevent salt ingestion, wear gloves if skin is sensitive, and keep floors dry to prevent slips. Variation idea: add food coloring or change slope angle to compare erosion rates.
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Make a glacier simulation. Activities for Kids.