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--”Living In Extremes” (ANIML 8-9 p.m.), a documentary about how animals survive in deserts, high altitudes and frozen tundras. VCR+67374. Also, “Extreme Rides” (DISC, 8-9 p.m.), a documentary about the psychology of people who pursue extreme experiences, such as thrill rides, that other people fear. VCR+618461.

* Friday--”Huckleberry Finn” (TCM, 5-6:30 p.m.), the best of those films based on the Mark Twain’s classic novel; stars Mickey Rooney. VCR+3168900. Available on video. Also, “Popular Culture: Who’s To Blame?” (KCET, 9-11 p.m.) Political satirist David Steinberg visits with leading Hollywood creative talents to learn how popular culture, once viewed as America’s beacon to the world, has come to be perceived by some as a negative influence. VCR+6252 (For comparison see also “The Other Hollywood” Sunday.)

* Saturday--”The Great American History Quiz” (HIST, 5-6 p.m., repeating 9-10 p.m.), a cable special hosted by Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss. Viewers can answer questions about U.S. history and culture posed on-camera by Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, Hank Aaron, Martha Stewart, Alan Alda and others. To obtain a quiz sheet, log on www.historychannel.com/quiz or phone fax-on-demand (888) 268-2710. VCR+12566.

* Sunday--”Black America Today: 9th Annual Black History Year In Review” (KNBC, 1-2 p.m.), a news-docmentary overview of African American economic and social progress in 1998. Also, “Cinema Europe: The Other Hollywood” (KCET 1-7 p.m.), a reprise of all six episodes of film historian Kevin Brownlow’s vivid account of the rise and fall of the German, France, British and Scandinavian film industries and America’s absorption of their ideas and star talents.

Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, California State University Office of the Chancellor. Columns available at www.calendarlive.com/HOMECALENDARLIVE/TVENT/TVSMARTS.