The article analyzes the pedagogical research on the essence and content of the concepts of systems approach and systems thinking, substantiates the main features of the formation of systems thinking. It is noted that systematic thinking, in contrast to linear, is focused on seeing the integrity of an object or phenomenon, to identify not things but connections between them, not instantaneous states, but patterns of change. Systems thinking is needed to distinguish the structures that form the basis of complex situations. The implementation of integrative connections during the educational process is a necessary condition for the formation of a scientific worldview and competencies. It is determined that the formation of an environment for the effective formation of systems thinking is possible through the implementation of a competency approach and the introduction of active, activity forms of learning, in particular with the use of computer models. It is noted that the use of computer models in the educational process provides a high degree of clarity, and their interactivity allows to directly influence the course of the experiment, change the conditions of its conduct, which promotes motivation, interest and desire to experiment, conduct independent research in science, and thus promotes the development of creative skills and critical thinking. It is emphasized that individual research tasks based on computer simulations are an effective tool for implementing the activity approach. Students have the opportunity to discover something new, unknown to them, to observe the patterns of processes and phenomena, to "discover" a known law in physics by measuring physical quantities.