TV Smarts

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

* Today--”48 Hours: The Quest for Immortality” (KCBS 10-11 p.m.) This science documentary looks at the technology of cloning human cells and the potential to clone human organs through techniques requiring use of human fetal tissue. Updates research initially reported on “48 Hours” last fall.

* Friday--”Don Hewitt: 90 Minutes on 60 Minutes” (KCET 9-10:30 p.m.) Biographical documentary on the producer of the nation’s most widely viewed TV newsmagazine.

* Saturday--”Shanghai” (TRAV 10-10:30 p.m.) Documentary examines Shanghai, where bicycle shops thrive and underground rock clubs are popular. Interviews with young residents reveal optimism about the future.

* Sunday--”Untold Stories: Navy SEALs” (TLC 8-11 p.m.) Three-part report on U.S. military activity, specifically the role Navy SEALs played in Panama, Grenada and Somalia. Provides a vivid look at the geography and social conditions of those countries. Also, “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” (HBO 11:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m., repeats Wednesday 11 p.m.-1 a.m.) Biographical movie, starring Halle Berry, about the entertainer who pioneered efforts to achieve racial diversity in the media. She was the first African American woman nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, for her 1954 performance in “Carmen Jones.”

* Monday--”Sense of Disaster” (DISC 9-10 p.m.) This documentary describes earthquake prediction in California, Japan and China. Only the Chinese have successfully predicted a major quake.

* Tuesday--”Gaslight” (TCM 7-9 p.m.) The title of this movie has become a verb, “to gaslight,” referring to the use of covert psychological manipulation rather than overt means to break a person’s will. This 1940 British movie is set in the Victorian era, and the process is portrayed with clinical precision.

* Wednesday--”Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” (LA Cityview, Channel 35) Documentary on the new combination of social science and technology that allows architects, planners and designers to reduce crime in Los Angeles by the way they design public and commercial spaces. Produced in connection with the Design Out Crime Task Force, initiated by Councilwoman Laura Chick, who represents the 3rd District in the Valley.

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 https://www.latimes.com/tvsmarts.