In this paper we present the results of an investigation related to the developing of mathematical knowledge and skills by first semester university students when solving a Model Eliciting Activity [MEA] which involves quadratic function knowledge. This was a qualitative research. The theoretical framework was Models and Modeling Perspective [MMP]. The results show that the students used their mathematical knowledge and skills related to linear and quadratic functions to describe the situation; they moved from a quantitative cycle of understanding (associated with linear and quadratic behaviors), to an algebraic cycle of understanding (associated with quadratic behaviors). [For the complete proceedings, see ED629884.]