An important question for mathematics teachers is this: "How can we help students learn mathematics to solve everyday problems, rather than teaching them only to memorize rules and practice mathematical procedures?" Teaching students using modeling activities can help them learn mathematics in real-world problem-solving situations that are useful outside school. Modeling, described in the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM), is one of the eight Standards for Mathematical Practice: "Mathematically proficient students can apply the mathematics they know to solve problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace" (CCSSI 2010, p. 7). By including modeling as a mathematical practice, CCSSM invites teachers to strategize ways to develop students' mathematical modeling. This article describes the strategies that two middle school teachers and their students used while working on modeling activities with the author, a researcher, over a semester.