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: Miracles” (KCBS 10-11 p.m.) An examination of miracles from the viewpoint of the Catholic Church, the medical community and people in Philadelphia, Winston-Salem, N.C., Australia and France.

* Friday--”Digital Divide” (CNN 7-8 p.m.) A look at minority recruitment at high-tech industries in the Silicon Valley. Also, “Dateline NBC: Breast Cancer and Heredity” (KNBC 9-10 p.m.) Documentary about the use of a genetic test to determine a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer because of family health history. Dawn Frantangelo reports.

* Saturday--”National Geographic Explorer” (CNBC 5-7 p.m.) Interviews with surviving Navy veterans, historical footage and underwater photography are used to tell the story of the sinking of the Yorktown during World War II. Robert Ballard, who found the wreck of the Titanic, leads the search. Recommended related activity: “Teenagers in WWII,” an exhibit about the experiences of 40 young residents of Santa Paula who were sailors, soldiers, nurses and relocation camp internees during WWII. Current Santa Paula High School students interviewed them to provide material for the exhibit at the California Oil Museum, 1001 E. Main St., Santa Paula. Exhibit opens Friday and runs Wednesdays-Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Jan. 23.

* Sunday--”The Eiffel Tower” (HIST 3-4 p.m.) Documentary about an engineering feat originally designed as a temporary attraction during a 19th century World’s Fair in Paris. But it was maintained afterward because it was built so well and it ranked as the world’s tallest building for 50 years.

* Monday--”Frontier: Rogers’ Rangers” (HIST 3-4 p.m.) Installment in the “High Points in History” series describes the exploits of an unorthodox British military officer, Maj. Robert Rogers, who worked to drive the French from North America in the 18th century. He helped create the concept of commando-style fighting and wrote military rules that are still in use. His unit is credited by some as the source of the name for the U.S. Army commando units, the Rangers.

* Tuesday--”The House of Windsor” (A&E; 5-7 p.m.) Special episode of the “Biography” series covers the triumphs and tragedies of England’s royal family through the century.

* Wednesday--”Cover Story” (ANML 8-9 p.m.) Documentary answers questions, such as “How do animals change color?” and “How do feathers work like zippers?” by showing how skin, scales, feathers and fur serve animals. Also, “Sacred Places” (TRAV 10-11 p.m.) Follow a documentary crew in pilgrimages to hallowed destinations--the cathedral in Cologne, Germany; the Fontaney Monastery in France; a Thracian tomb in Bulgaria; and a megalith temple in Malta. An online source on the topic features an American “Sacred Place,” an Orthodox Christian site in Alaska dating to when Russia owned the territory. Log on to www.msnbc.com/news/338601.asp.

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