Lake Levels Task Sheet
TEKS 6.2(D) • Readiness
Order a set of rational numbers arising from mathematical and real-world contexts
STAAR Clone Item
Target Rigor: 2023 Q18
Name:
Date:
Class Period:
The table shows the amounts the water levels increased in feet for five Texas lakes during one week.
Texas Lakes
| Name of Lake | Increase in Water Level (feet) |
|---|
| Amistad | 4.2 |
| Buchanan | \(1\frac{1}{4}\) |
| Canyon | 7.2 |
| Conroe | \(4\frac{1}{2}\) |
| Falcon | \(\frac{3}{4}\) |
Order the names of the lakes by water level increase from greatest to least.
Move the correct answer to each box.
Amistad
Buchanan
Canyon
Conroe
Falcon
Greatest Least
Student Scratchpad: Decimal Conversions & Verification
| Lake | Given Value | Equivalent Decimal / Conversion Work | Rank (1 = Greatest) |
|---|
| Amistad | 4.2 | | |
| Buchanan | \(1\frac{1}{4}\) | | |
| Canyon | 7.2 | | |
| Conroe | \(4\frac{1}{2}\) | | |
| Falcon | \(\frac{3}{4}\) | | |
Number Line Verification (Plot and label each lake): Scale: 0 to 8 feet
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
TEKS 6.2(D) Teacher Resource • Answer Key & Analysis
Item Rigor, Solution Key & Common Misconceptions
Clone of 2023 Q18
Correct Answer (Order from Greatest to Least)
1st (Greatest) Canyon 7.2
2nd Conroe \(4\frac{1}{2} = 4.5\)
3rd Amistad 4.2
4th Buchanan \(1\frac{1}{4} = 1.25\)
5th (Least) Falcon \(\frac{3}{4} = 0.75\)
Value Conversion & Ordering Verification Table
| Lake | Original Value | Decimal Form | Whole / Fractional Parts | Ordering Logic |
|---|
| Canyon | 7.2 | 7.20 | Whole = 7 | Largest whole number (7 > 4, 1, 0) |
| Conroe | \(4\frac{1}{2}\) | 4.50 | Whole = 4, \(\frac{1}{2} = 0.50\) | Compare with Amistad: \(4.50 > 4.20\) |
| Amistad | 4.2 | 4.20 | Whole = 4, Tenths = 2 | Less than Conroe (\(4.20 < 4.50\)) |
| Buchanan | \(1\frac{1}{4}\) | 1.25 | Whole = 1, \(\frac{1}{4} = 0.25\) | Greater than 1, less than 4 |
| Falcon | \(\frac{3}{4}\) | 0.75 | Proper fraction (\(< 1\)) | Only value less than 1 whole foot |
Rigor Alignment & Cognitive Traps Analyzed
1 The "Half = .2" Trap
In 2023 Q18, TEA paired 2.2 and \(2\frac{1}{2}\). Here, we paired 4.2 and \(4\frac{1}{2}\). Students who believe \(\frac{1}{2} = 0.2\) mistakenly treat them as equal or place 4.2 higher.
2 Digit Matching Pitfall
TEA included 5.2 and 2.2 with matching tenths digits. We matched 7.2 and 4.2. Students must look at place value hierarchy (whole number first) rather than decimal digits alone.
3 Benchmark Benchmark < 1
TEA included \(\frac{3}{4}\) and \(1\frac{1}{4}\). Students who rely solely on numerator comparisons may place \(\frac{3}{4}\) above \(1\frac{1}{4}\) because 3 > 1, ignoring the whole number 1.
Quick Exit Ticket Variant (Least to Greatest) Reverse Direction Check
Rainfall in inches: Dallas: 3.4 | El Paso: \(\frac{4}{5}\) | Houston: 6.4 | Lubbock: \(3\frac{1}{2}\) | Tyler: \(1\frac{3}{4}\).
Key for Variant (Least to Greatest): El Paso (\(0.80\)) < Tyler (\(1.75\)) < Dallas (\(3.40\)) < Lubbock (\(3.50\)) < Houston (\(6.40\)).
Grade 6 Mathematics • TEKS 6.2(D) Readiness Standard Instructional Support & Assessment Clone
