Discussion of National Science Foundation (NSF) funding of precollege science education revolves around the controversy of whether NSF should fund "Man: A Course of Study" (MACOS). NSF had funded MACOS' curriculum development, implementation, and postevaluation during 1963-1975. The controversy began in March 1975 when U.S. Congressman John Conlan introduced a measure to the House Committee on Science and Technology to bar further funding of MACOS in support of Phoenix schools' moral opposition to MACOS. The controversy quickly expanded to four major political issues: (1) the proper allocation of economic activity between the public and private sectors; (2) the proper division of power between the federal and local governments; (3) the proper distribution of power, authority, and decision-making roles among scientists-bureaucrats and citizens-politicians; and (4) which values should dominate public activity, scientific or traditional. The related events during 1975 are presented, such as activity and reports of the House of Representatives, letters, and news media reports. Specifically looked at are Harvey Averch's NSF testimony to the House in February 1975, NSF's disposition of its 19 current projects, and the House debate on the 1977 budget. In response to the controversy, NSF decided to stop funding curriculum implementation projects, continue funding curriculum development at a reduced level, and begin various monitoring procedures. An extensive reading list on related topics is included. (ND)