This resource supports standard 4 of the New York math, science and technology standards. Standard 4 states: students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science. The major understandings being supported are 1.2c and 1.2e. Major understanding 1.2c states: Our solar system formed about five billion years ago from a giant cloud of gas and debris. Gravity caused Earth and the other planets to become layered according to density differences in their materials. The characteristics of the planets of the solar system are affected by each planet's location in relationship to the Sun. The terrestrial planets are small, rocky, and dense. The Jovian planets are large, gaseous, and of low density. Major understanding 1.2e states: Earth's early atmosphere formed as a result of the outgassing of water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and lesser amounts of other gases from its interior.