This study addresses three aspects of the attitude towards mathematics: usefulness, interest, and recognition of the social roles of mathematics. Mathematical modeling activities were developed and conducted with engineering students. We analyzed how the attitude towards mathematics is manifested in this context and what contribution can be to a better understanding of the aspects of this attitude. We note that interest is manifested in a personal and objective way and that there is a recognition of the usefulness of basic mathematics in everyday life and in other contexts to the detriment of higher education mathematics. In addition, modeling proved to be a good opportunity to recognize the social roles of mathematics, something that did not occur individually. We conclude that modeling is pointed out as a means for a manifestation of a good attitude towards mathematics.