Indonesian Journal of Science and Education
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Science and Education (In Press)

Project-Based Learning in Senior High School Chemistry under Kurikulum Merdeka: A Systematic Review

Zia Ur Rehman (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)
Sri Atun (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Apr 2026

Abstract

The rapid transformation of 21st-century education requires teaching approaches that promote critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. This systematic review examines the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in senior high school chemistry and its alignment with the competency-based objectives of Kurikulum Merdeka. The review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies were included if they reported empirical findings on the use of PjBL in secondary-level chemistry, while non-empirical and non-chemistry studies were excluded. Literature searches were conducted on 17 October 2025 across Scopus, ERIC, DOAJ, Google Scholar, and Garuda databases. A total of 49 studies (50 reports) met the inclusion criteria. Due to variations in research designs and outcome measures, findings were synthesized using a narrative approach. The reviewed studies addressed various chemistry topics, including redox reactions, acid–base concepts, hydrocarbons, colloids, thermochemistry, and green chemistry. Overall, most studies reported positive learning outcomes such as improved conceptual understanding, motivation, critical thinking, and academic achievement. However, methodological limitations were identified, particularly the predominance of research and development (R&D) studies and the limited use of rigorous experimental designs. These findings suggest that PjBL represents a flexible and contextually relevant pedagogical approach for senior high school chemistry within Kurikulum Merdeka.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijose

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemistry Materials Science & Nanotechnology Physics

Description

Indonesian Journal of Science and Education published a scientific paper on the results of the study and review of the literature in the science and education. In detail, the scopes of this journal are research in 1) Science education; 2) Biology education; 3) Physics education; 4) Chemistry ...