Accumulated water and category of modelling: a case with Chilean student teachers

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>This research analyses the resignification of the definite integral in a category of modelling that emerged during the development of a specific situation of change, in a physics context, with an accumulation argumentation. A case study was conducted with 12 students of mathematics pedagogy. The resignification was analyzed using the theoretical constructs of the category of modelling and documentary analysis techniques. The results indicated that the students resignified a definite integral with meanings associated with water accumulation. The mathematical knowledge of students that emerged in the situation can be incorporated into school mathematics to contribute to an educational change that confronts and values knowledge of school and non-school mathematical scenarios.</jats:p>