TV Smarts

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

* Today--”Traveling California State Parks” (KCET 8-9 p.m.) First of a 10-part series showing younger viewers some highlights of the state’s 90-park system. Provides an excellent learning aid for California geography, a subject taught in fourth grade. Tonight’s episode looks at Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, Oceano Dunes and La Purisma Mission. Series available on video by calling (800) 777-0369. A newly released CD-ROM on the state’s plants and wildlife, “GAP Analysis of Mainland California,” is available free at www.dfg.ca.gov/whdab/gap/htm.

Also, “48 Hours: Animal Intelligence” (KCBS 10-11 p.m.) A look at the intelligence that researchers are discovering in animals such as elephants, birds, dolphins and bears.

* Friday--”Dateline NBC: Awakening” (KNBC 9-10 p.m.) Documentary filmed over two years on the innovations in the treatment of schizophrenia, following 23-year-old Luca Moylan from total breakdown to the edge of recovery during treatment by Dr. Ralph Aquila. John Hockenberry reports.

* Saturday--”Wild Discovery: Battle of the Sexes” (DISC 8-9 p.m.) BBC documentary on how and why creatures attract mates, choose partners and increase their chances for genetic survival. Examples cited are birds that look for quality workmanship in a mate’s nest and various animals’ dance steps.

Also, “Heart of Darkness” (TLC 10-11 p.m.) Documentary in the “Great Books Festival” series explains how Joseph Conrad drew on his experiences in the Congo 100 years ago to write his classic novel about idealism descending into primeval savagery. Screenwriter John Milius and director Francis Ford Coppola discuss their adaptation of the novel for the Vietnam War-themed movie, “Apocalypse Now.”

* Sunday--”The Russia Factor” (CNN 9-10 p.m.) Documentary about Russia’s economy, with its industrial and financial systems in ruins, its work force without skills relevant to today’s world economy, and the resulting instability that poses problems for the international community.

* Monday--”Crucible of Empire: The Spanish-American War” (KCET 9-11 p.m.) A look at America’s initiation 100 years ago into Great Power politics. It features historical footage shot in Cuba and the Philippines and interviews with historians as well as with a descendant of Filipino anti-American revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo. The voices of four U.S. senators re-create the 1899 debate on U.S. imperialism. Hosted by Edward James Olmos, with the voice of Aguinaldo by Lou Diamond Phillips.

* Tuesday--”Marie Curie: More Than Meets the Eye” (HBO 3-4 p.m.) In this fanciful account of the Nobel Prize winner’s work in her “glowing laboratory,” two 11-year-old girls suspect Curie is a foreign spy. Kate Trotter stars as Curie.

* Wednesday--”On the Trail of Mark Twain With Peter Ustinov” (KCET 9-11 p.m.) A little more than 100 years after Twain published a best-selling account of his travels around the world, “On the Trail of the Equator,” Ustinov has taken the book in hand and attempted to follow Twain’s route--with a TV crew in tow. Ustinov’s witty and acute observations provide rich social history and geography lessons.

Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, dean of the School of Education at the College of St. Mary, Albany, N.Y. Columns available at ww.latimes.com/tvsmarts.