Therefore, the science literacy is very important
to be developed because everyone needs a lot of
information and knowledge to determine a correct
choice and solve the problems faced in every day. It
contributes in the social’s life and the household
management in the decision-making process
(Laugksch, et.al, 1999). According to Hayat (2010)
the science literacy is needed to as a rule model to
compete the complex problems in this global world.
The nature of science literacy is considered by three
elements such as knowledge about the content,
understand the knowledge and conduct a scientific
research (Wenning, 2006).
However, the assessment study conducted by
PISA (Program for International Student
Assessment) revealed that learning science in
Indonesia less successful in enhancing the science
literacy ability. This fact was revealed by the results
of PISA study in 2000 that ranked Indonesia in the
position of 38 from 41 participated countries with
the average score of the test for about 393; in 2003
Indonesia was ranked into 38 out of 41 participated
countries with an average score 395. While
Indonesia was ranked in the position of 57 from 65
countries with the average score of 383 (OECD,
2009), and by the year 2015 Indonesia was only able
to occupy a position 64 of 65 countries.
Based on the data of PISA analysis results, it
showed that Indonesia got low score in literacy
achievement particularly about 29% to 34% for the
content, process, and 32% for context (Permanasari,
2016). The content of science is one of the
dimensions of scientific literacy refers to essential
chemical concepts necessary to understand natural
phenomena and changes towards nature performed
by human activity (PISA, 2009). According to
Ogunkula (2013) the way to to improve the literacy
of science in science learning is by connecting a
concept of science with emerging topics and
interesting in real life.
Based on the problems mentioned above, it is
very important to develop a model of learning that
can enhance the science literacy, particularly on
aspects of science content. One of the learning
models that can be developed is a problem-based
learning model. It becomes one of the learning
approaches that serve many contextual issues that
can stimulate the creativity of learners to find
concepts and solve problems in daily life (Arends,
2007). Through problem-based learning, the students
can get various exposure to increase their knowledge
and also, they can apply their knowledge in the real
life. A significant benefit of problem-based learning
provides the opportunity to solve the problem in
accordance with individual styles of learners
(Sanjaya, 2011). According to the results of the
research conducted by Jones (1996b), he concluded
that the enhancement of students’ ability in learning
through problem-based learning model is able to
activate the learners’ basic knowledge, develop the
students’ thinking process, becomes more familiar
and understand the context in the real world. In
addition, it is also a problem-based learning, an
emphasis on the learning inquiries (Wang, et.al,
1998).
Further on, problem-based learning is currently
need to follow the developments of the age in the era
of globalization by integrating Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The link
between science and technology as well as other
science cannot be separated in the learning of
science. STEM is a disciplined science that are
closely related to each other. It requires Math as a
tool in processing data, while technology and
technique application of science. Approach to
learning in the STEM is expected to yield
meaningful learning for students through the
integration of knowledge, concepts, and skills
systematically. Some of the benefits of the approach
STEM make students to solve problems better,
innovators, inventors, independent, logical thinker,
and technological literacy (Morrison, 2006, in
Stohlmann, Moore, & Roehrig, 2012, p. 29). The
application of STEM in learning can encourage
learners to design, develop and utilize technology,
sharpening cognitive, affective, and manipulative as
well as apply the knowledge (Kapila, 2014;
Permanasari, 2016).
Therefore, the application of a suitable STEM to
the study of science particularly chemistry. STEM-
based learning can train students in applying their
knowledge to create a design as a form of problem
solving related environment by leveraging
technology. STEM has been applied in a number of
developed countries like the United States, Japan,
Finland, Australia and Singapore. Application of the
STEM can be supported by a variety of learning
methods. The integrative nature of the STEM allows
a variety of learning methods can be used to support
their application (Permanasari, 2106). Refer to the
wedge between science literacy and creativity with
the close study found a number of results of research
that supports the use of problem-based learning.
Problem based learning integrated STEM can give a
chance on learners to apply knowledge on
issues/problems as a form of problem solving.
The material is selected in this research is
chemical kinetics. This is due to the material