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. “Independence Day: The History of the Fourth of July,” (History, 6-10 p.m., repeating 10-11 p.m.) This documentary describes why the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was chosen as a national holiday and how various forms of celebration evolved.

* Friday. “The Eddie Files” (KLCS, 4-4:30 p.m.) “You Gotta Start Somewhere” is the first episode of a four-part live-action series in which Eddie, a student, investigates how adults use math in their jobs. Along with the episodes “Going to the Dogs,” “Invasion of the Polygons” and “Any Way You Slice It” (all recommended for taping), they help students maintain the math skills acquired during the school year. Peabody Award-winner Kay Tolliver is Eddie’s teacher. Series repeats beginning July 31 and Aug. 28.

* Saturday. “Tall Tales: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill” (KNBC, 8-10 p.m.) In this live-action drama about the famous American folk hero, Pecos Bill protects farmers from the depredations of encroaching railroad barons. Patrick Swayze stars. The most widely available series of novels about Pecos Bill, written for younger readers, is by Wyatt Blassingame.

* Sunday. “Letters of a Nation: A Collection of Extraordinary American Letters” (C-SPAN 5-6 p.m., repeating 8-9 p.m.) This new book is featured on C-SPAN’s “Booknotes” program. Author Andrew Carroll compiled 200 historical documents--letters, dating from 1630 to the present, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s letter from a Birmingham jail, U.S. soldiers’ missives home, Ben Franklin’s advice about romance, and even Groucho Marx’s tirade against a studio boss. With its foreword by Marian Wright Edelman, and Carroll’s useful introductions to each letter, the book might be used as a text for writing or American history classes.

--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.