Nowadays, the role of science in the learning process of students is becoming more and more important. This is due to the fact that in recent years there has been an increase in the volume of research work, and there has been a change in the educational paradigm, in which the basic academic knowledge is no longer the only necessary capital, which leads to an increase in self-development in professional activities. Research work of students is one of the most important means of improvement of quality of education and training of specialists with higher education, capable of creative application in practice of the latest achievements of scientific, technical and cultural progress in modern conditions. Project technologies develop cognitive skills of students, their ability to independently construct their knowledge, ability to navigate in the information space, critical and creative thinking. In the article the authors define the importance of the use of the project method for the development of research activity of students. The stages and steps of implementation of this method are also given.