TV Smarts

Some broadcast and cable programs contain material included in the public school curriculum and on standardized examinations. Here are weekend home-viewing tips:

* Today. “Athens: Triumph and Tragedy” (History, 9-10 p.m.) This is a historical documentary about the beginning of the golden age of ancient Greece, including hints about its end. Pericles, the city-state’s elected leader 2,500 years ago, ruled brilliantly for 30 years, commissioning the building of the Parthenon, an edifice that still inspires awe. But, after his death, decline was hard to avoid in a place where slaves and political intriguers vastly outnumbered the free and the wise.

* Friday. “Polish Americans” (KCET, 9-10:30 p.m.) This is a historical documentary about the spirit, struggles and successes of a vital U.S. immigrant community.

* Saturday. “Sea Monsters: Search for the Giant Squid” (KNBC, 8-9 p.m.) A marine biology documentary about a species of squid weighing more than a ton, including the eight arms and two whip-like tentacles that have made it famous in fact and legend. But it has never been photographed alive, prompting the National Geographic organization to rig a TV camera on the back of a sperm whale (Moby Dick’s species) allowing humans to watch while the giant mammal, in search of a meal, pursues a giant squid. Rated TV-G.

* Sunday. “The Best Bad Thing” (KCET, 12:30-2 p.m.) This is a family-oriented movie based on a trilogy of autobiographical novels by Japanese American writer Yoshiko Uchida, describing her experiences as a preteen in California in the 1930s. Aired as part of Los Angeles’ celebration of “Nisei Week,” it stars George Takei (“Star Trek”) and Japanese actress Kirin Kiki.

Also recommended, “Titanic Live” (Discovery, 5-7 p.m.), a science documentary that includes live TV transmissions from 2 1/2 miles below sea level as a team of specialists--biologists, engineers, archeologists and historians--visit the world’s most famous shipwreck site.

Further viewing, “Vintage Reading: A Personal Tour of Some of the World’s Best Books” (C-SPAN 2, 7:15-8:15 p.m., repeating 10:15-11:15 p.m.) This broadcast, in the “About Books” series, features author Robert Kanigel discussing his book of 80 essays on classics such as “Democracy in America” and “Pride and Prejudice.” This is a taping and reading recommendation for students preparing to take the PSAT in eight weeks.

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--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate dean, College of Education, Cal State Northridge. For references to books, videos and Web sites recommended in the past month’s TV Smarts, log on www.calendarlive.com/HOME/CALENDARLIVE/TVENT/TVSMARTS