TV Smarts

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

* Today-- “Civil War Journal” (HIST 6 a.m.-7 p.m.) Marathon repeat of the History Channel’s series on the United States from 1860-1865. Recommended for taping. Also, “Sergeant York: The Reluctant Soldier” (A&E; 5-6 p.m. repeats 9-10 p.m.) Documentary about Alvin E. York, a conscientious objector from Tennessee drafted to fight in World War I who distinguished himself in battle and whose life story was subsequently made into a movie starring Gary Cooper.

* Friday--”Body by Nature” (DISC 7-8 p.m.) Documentary on the physics and biomechanical principles that govern animals’ bodies.

* Saturday--”American Revolution” (HIST 1-5 p.m.) Rebroadcast of the History Channel’s series on the U.S. Revolution. Recommended for taping. Also, “The Molly Maguires” (Bravo 7:30-10 p.m.) This movie is based on events in the Pennsylvania coal fields during the 1870s when immigrant miners tried to form a labor union. Sean Connery stars. Parental guidance suggested.

* Sunday--”The Josephine Baker Story” (KCBS 1-3 p.m.) Movie based on the life of the legendary African American stage and film star whose talent captivated Europe in the 1920s and ‘30s but whose advocacy of racial equality disturbed Americans. Lynn Whitfield, Lou Gossett Jr. star. Also, “Restore America” (HGTV 7-7:30 p.m. repeats 10-10:30 p.m.) Premiere of a weekly documentary series on people in each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C., who fought to preserve historic sites and neighborhoods. Hosted by Bob Vila. Each show provides compact historical and geographical information suitable for all grade levels. Tonight is Texas--Galveston, San Antonio, Beaumont and Dallas. Teachers can log on at https://www.hgtv.com.

* Monday--”Gone With the Wind” (TCM 5-9 p.m.) For families spending the holiday at home, this is the chance to reflect on the Margaret Mitchell-MGM version of American history circa 1860-1876. Also, “People’s Century: God Fights Back” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) New episode of PBS documentary series on the 20th century describes the rise of Christian and Islamic fundamentalism in the 1970s in response to modern society’s permissiveness.

* Tuesday--”The Deadly Shadow of Vesuvius” (KCET 8-9 p.m.) Documentary about a volcano in Italy that has devastated nearby towns, including Pompeii, for several millenniums. Also, “Rabbit in the Moon” (KCET 10-10:30 p.m.) Documentary about American citizenship and loyalty viewed by Japanese American families interned during World War II. Mixes their home movies of the period with recently filmed interviews.

* Wednesday--”Going Wild With Jeff Corwin” (DISN 4-4:30 p.m.) In this episode of his popular natural science series, Corwin reports on giant leatherback turtles, geothermal springs and vampire bats in Costa Rica.

Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate director for teacher education, Cal State University. Columns available at https://www.latimes.com/tvsmarts.