Recently, as the educational paradigm shifts from teacher-centered to learner-centered, the active construction of knowledge of learners is becoming more important. Accordingly, classes using mathematical modeling are receiving attention. However, existing research is focused on teachers or middle and high school students, so it is difficult to apply the contents and results of the research to preservice teachers. Therefore, in this study, the experience of mathematical modeling was examined for elementary school preservice teachers. And we looked at how positive experiences of mathematical modeling change their perceptions. As a result of the study, elementary school preservice teachers had very little experience in mathematical modeling during their school days. In addition, it was found that the perceptions changed more positively than when a theoretical class on mathematical modeling was conducted, rather than when the experience of mathematical modeling was actually shared. Based on the results of this study, implications were suggested in the course of training preservice teachers.