The article carries out a theoretical analysis of research on the problem of development and features of thinking in the learning process, analyzes the methods of solving problems as the basis of its solution, shows the influence of chemical problems on the development of students' thinking. In the ascertainment experiment, methods of solving chemical problems by high school students during traditional education were analyzed; method of chaotic attempts, method of algorithm, mixed method and method of reconstruction. A description of the solution methods is presented and the peculiarities of the student's thinking when using each solution method are analyzed. The use of problem-solving culture by students was also clarified. The peculiarities of students' work on solving problems in group form are shown. The formative experiment analyzed the results obtained as a result of experimental training. The peculiarities of the cultural method of solving problems as a method of solving chemical problems are described. Solving problems by the cultural method involved: drawing up a scheme for solving the problem based on its analysis; definition of the type of task; application of formulas, rules, laws when solving various problems; using different solution options. It is shown that the method of culture ensures the formation of the student's individual qualities of thinking, his intellectual activity. Psychological and pedagogical recommendations for teachers on the organization of students' activities while solving chemical problems have been formulated. One of the main recommendations is the situation that the teacher, planning the problem-solving lesson, should anticipate what mental actions and individual features of thinking the student can use in the process of solving it.