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--”Trains Unlimited: The Locomotives” (HIST, 8 p.m., repeating Sunday 7 a.m. This hourlong documentary traces the technology of railroad engines from the steam-driven “Rocket” of the 1820s, which was about as fast as a horse, to the electric 150-mph “bullet trains” of today. VCR+28984.

* Friday--”American Justice: A Civil Action” (A&E;, 7 p.m.) This is a one- hour documentary about a 20-year struggle to establish links between leukemia deaths in Woburn, Mass., and two U.S. corporations suspected of being chemical polluters. VCR+96578. Also recommended, “A Civil Action,” the current movie based on this struggle, starring John Travolta.

* Saturday--”Space Colonies: Living Among the Stars” (DISC, 6 p.m.) This documentary describes the scientific aspects of planned human settlements on other planets. Avery Brooks (Capt. Sisko on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”) narrates. VCR+406273. For further info, log on https://nas.nasa.gov/service /SpaceSettlement

/designer/. Also, “How the West Was Lost” (TRAV, 8 p.m.) To promote settlement between the Atlantic Coast and the Mississippi River, the U.S. government passed the Indian Removal Act of 1830. In this documentary, descendants of Cherokees forced to leave the area are interviewed at historic locations they have memorialized as “The Trail of Tears.” VCR+3923896.

* Sunday--”The ‘60s” (KNBC, Part I airs 9-11 p.m., Part II airs Monday 9-11 p.m.) This miniseries dramatizes historical events, including the civil rights struggle, political assassinations, the antiwar movement and youth counterculture. It may provide today’s students some insight into their parents’ formative years. Stars include Charles Dutton, Jordana Brewster and David Alan Grier, with Los Angeles-born poet-dramatist-essayist Stanley Crouch, author of “The All American Skin Game,” as creative and historical consultant.

--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, California State University Office of the Chancellor.

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