Context issue in science learning can be referred as one of the solutions to improve students’ science literacy e.g. the socio-scientific issues. The socio-scientific context is presented in a problem where scientific knowledge and social awareness arise in mental conflicts that require science literacy to make responsible decisions. In addition, using problems in learning can provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in solving problems. Therefore, this paper discusses the usage of socio-scientific context in problem based learning to enhance students’ science literacy. We show that problem-based learning with the socio-scientific issue can improve students’ science literacy. Using socio-scientific issue makes it easier for students to make explanations of scientific phenomena.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peningkatan kemampuan literasi sains melalui implementasi model pembelajaran berbasis masalah (PBL) dengan konteks  socioscientific issues.  Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuasi eksperimen dengan desain penelitian nonequivalent pretest dan postest control group design. Subjek  penelitian adalah siswa kelas VII di salah satu SMPN di Kabupaten Cianjur. Data diperoleh dengan menggunakan lembar observasi keterlaksanaan pembelajaran, tes literasi sains berupa soal pilihan ganda, tes skala sikap, dan angket tanggapan siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa hampir seluruh aktivitas pembelajaran model PBL dengan konteks socioscientific issues terlaksana dengan baik. Peningkatan kemampuan literasi sains ditunjukkan oleh pencapaian N-gain literasi sains pada aspek pengetahuan dan kompetensi pada kelas eksperimen 0,71 (tinggi) dan N-gain kelas kontrol 0,52 (sedang), sedangkan N-gain literasi aspek sikap sains pada kelas eksperimen 0,72 (tinggi) dan N-gain kelas kontrol 0,27 (rendah). Tanggapan siswa menyatakan respon positif terhadap pembelajaran. Jadi, dapat disimpulkan bahwa implementasi model pembelajaran berbasis masalah dengan konteks socioscientific issues lebih baik dalam meningkatkan kemampuan literasi sains pada aspek pengetahuan, kompetensi, dan sikap sains siswa. Kata Kunci:     Model pembelajaran berbasis masalah (PBL), Literasi Sains, Konteks SocioScientific Issues.

This study aims to investigate the effect of Socio Scientific Issues (SSI) approach in the science learning to enhance students' scientific literacy. 90 students of 8th graders, who were divided into three classes, were involved. They learned by using the same SSI approach but with the different themes, including global warming, food additives, and living thingenvironment interaction. After the learning process, students performed the literacy test related to the topics. The results showed that the SSI approach in science learning made students feel the need to learn science, and makes learning more meaningful. In addition, the students' scientific literacy increased in the high category after the implementation. All three aspects of competency, including explaining scientific phenomena, interpreting data and scientific evidence, and evaluating data and facts scientifically, showed a high increase. The similar increase was also shown in knowledge aspects. On the other hand, the enhancement of attitude toward science aspect showed lower category in average.