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Abstract: Practical experience of engineering thinking formation of junior pupils of 1-6 grades at the lessons of mathematical circle "SaMoKat" at the Ural State Pedagogical University is generalized. The article is devoted to the problem of motivation of pupils to choose engineering professions. The concept "engineering thinking" is defined and expanded, the levels of development of engineering thinking are determined in all its components. The authors allocate and prove the need for formation of engineering thinking beginning from junior school age, using the system of additional education which provides integrative approach to the understanding of engineering problems, development of creative thinking and abilities of team work. The main attention is focused on the method of projects and the method of the reverse brainstorming. The work promoted mastering of necessary technological knowledge of pupils. Children learnt to formulate the goal and to solve the tasks, to express their thoughts clearly and give arguments to prove their ideas. Pupils were trained to analyze the contents, structure, mechanisms and principles of work of some technical devices in the unusual conditions; they learnt to show their abilities and the result of their work and to avoid conflict while solving a problem. The conclusion is made that in the course of work the first level of the components of engineering thinking was formed, while some pupils reached the second level.