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--”48 Hours: On the Brink” (KCBS 9-11 p.m.) This science documentary about the future of technology and consumer lifestyles in the 21st century includes a live segment from the Pacific nation of Fiji, where the new millennium will begin today because the international dateline (the 180th parallel) cuts through its town of Taveuni.

* Friday--”ABC 2000” (KABC 1:30 a.m., continuous for 24 hours) Peter Jennings anchors live coverage of millennium celebrations around the world. Also, “Millennium 2000” (PBS beginning 1:45 a.m. and running for 25 hours) Marathon live broadcast of cultural events from sites in the U.S. and 55 other countries. Also, “CNN Millennium 2000” (CNN 2 a.m., running 100 straight hours until Tuesday) The cable network will provide news coverage of millennium events worldwide.

* Saturday--”Nickellennium” (NICK beginning at 12:01 a.m. and running for 24 hours) Commercial-free documentary marathon covering 122 countries shows children describing the future as they imagine it. A Nickelodeon book, “The Future According to Kids,” is available in bookstores.

* Sunday--”Religions of the World” (ODSY 4-5 p.m.) This documentary about Islam is the first of 13 narrated by Ben Kingsley airing at this time slot on Sundays this winter. Next week, Protestantism, then Buddhism, followed by Shinto.

* Monday--”The American Revolution” (HIST 3-5 p.m.) Repeat broadcast of the first two episodes of History Channel’s six-part series about this country’s first war with England. The series continues Tuesday and Wednesday in this time slot and is recommended as preparation for viewing an upcoming special, “George Washington,” a live broadcast of seventh- to ninth-graders interviewing an expert assuming the role of Gen. Washington, which airs Jan. 6 on A&E.;

* Tuesday--”Tales From the Hive” (KCET 9-10 p.m.) This documentary about bees is filmed with special new cameras that reveal the insect community as complex and sanguinary as a Shakespeare play about royal family infighting.

* Wednesday--”Civilization” (OVTN 2-3 p.m.) Initial episode of the BBC’s 13-week documentary series about Western civilization against which all subsequent series on the topic have been measured. The story begins with Charlemagne, identified as “the first great man of action” to emerge in the Dark Ages. Available in video stores or (800) 669-9696.

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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.