National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976

(Conference report filed in Senate, S. Rept. 94-339)

National Science Foundation Authorization Act - Authorizes appropriations for the National Science Foundation for fiscal year 1976.

Provides that the Director of the National Science Foundation, shall require, as a condition of any award made by the National Science Foundation for the purpose of precollege science curriculum development activities, that the awardee, and any subcontractors involved in the distribution, marketing, or selling of such science curricula, shall include in any testing agreement, sales contract, or other comparable legal instrument a provision requiring that all instructional materials, including teacher's manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary instructional materials developed or provided under such award, subcontract, or other legal instrument, will be made available within the school district using such materials for inspection by parents or guardians of children engaged in educational programs or projects of that school district.

Directs the National Science Foundation to conduct a Comprehensive Assistance to Undergraduate Science Education program, which shall have the purpose of strengthening the science education capabilities of predominantly undergraduate educational institutions and departments or groups of departments thereof through awards.

Directs the National Science Foundation to conduct a Research Initiation and Support program, which shall have the purpose of strengthening programs of training and research for young scientists at the graduate and post-graduate levels at educational institutions.

Directs the Director of the National Science Foundation to prepare a comprehensive plan for the establishment and conduct of a "Science for Citizens Program," which shall be designed to improve public understanding of public policy issues involving science and technology; and to facilitate the participation of experienced scientists and engineers as well as graduate and undergraduate students in public activities, including community and citizen group activities, aimed at the resolution of public policy issues having significant scientific and technical aspects.

Authorizes the National Science Foundation to establish the Alan T. Waterman Award for research or advanced study in the mathematical, physical, medical, biological, engineering, social, or other sciences.