Scientific thinking is not just a body of knowledge; it is a way of understanding the world based on observation, interpretation, hypothesis-forming, and experimentation. To be effectively cultivated in students, a learning environment is needed that encourages active participation and creative thinking. In this context, classroom play, and especially STEM games, are a valuable tool for the teacher.

What do we mean by “scientific thinking”?

Scientific thinking includes:

• Observational ability
• Formulating questions and hypotheses
• Data collection and analysis
• Testing solutions and evaluating results
• Interpretation and drawing conclusions

These skills are not developed only through theoretical teaching, but mainly through practical application. That's where games make the difference.

How play contributes to the cultivation of scientific thinking

1. Simulation of scientific processes

Many STEM toys offer children the opportunity to replicate the scientist's methodology. For example:

• In physics and chemistry kit, students observe, make hypotheses, experiment, and evaluate the results.
• Games with programming, such as Botley or Scratch, They teach them to think logically and evaluate the outcome of each command.

2. Play as a framework for authentic learning

Through role-playing, strategy or collaborative games, students face real-life problems, which enhances authentic learning.

• For example, in a “laboratory” type game, students may play the role of biologists or engineers and must solve a problem by applying scientific principles.

3. Developing critical thinking

Play stimulates children's natural curiosity. Through "why" and "how," they begin to formulate hypotheses and seek explanations.

• Games with unpredictable results or many possibilities, such as Snap Circuits, challenge children to try different versions and compare results.

4. Teamwork and collaborative learning

Scientific thinking often works best through collaboration. Play promotes interaction, discussion, and the exchange of ideas.

• Games like  Collaboration and Teamwork
   can be used in small groups, encouraging students to jointly design and verify strategies.

Practical ideas for the classroom

• STEM learning corners: Organize corners with different STEM materials, where students can experiment freely.
• Weekly STEM Challenge: Each week, provide a challenge that requires logic, construction, or experimentation.
• Thought recording: Ask students to record what they assume, what they observed, and what they conclude from each game/activity.

Cultivating scientific thinking does not require expensive laboratories or sophisticated methods. It requires an environment that fosters curiosity, experimentation, and creative thinking. Through well-chosen STEM toys, students can approach science in an experiential, enjoyable, and meaningful way. The role of the teacher is crucial: to create the right conditions, to inspire, and to guide this learning process toward a future full of questions, answers, and creative discovery.