TV Smarts

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

* Today--”The Diary of Anne Frank” (AMC 5-8 p.m.) This movie closely follows the writings of a Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during World War II. Available on video.

* Friday--”Pirates of the Barbary Coast” (HIST 5-6 p.m., repeats 9-10 p.m.) Documentary on the 1801 dispatch of U.S. Navy ships and naval infantry units by President Thomas Jefferson on a 14-year mission to patrol “the shores of Tripoli” because pirates based in that North African port city were harassing American ships in the Mediterranean.

* Saturday--”Generation H: National History Day” (HIST 3-5 p.m.) This live TV special covers the competition among four high school finalists out of 2,000 entrants in the “world series of history.” Also, “Time Machine: The Hidden History of Chicago” (HIST 9-11 p.m.) In this unusual geography documentary, John Mahoney (“Frasier”) introduces some little-known stories about what made Chicago the unique place it is.

* Sunday--”CBS Sunday Morning” (KCBS 7:30-9 a.m.) The central segment in this magazine show is an interview with Paco Taibo, a prolific Mexico City mystery writer who is developing a following in the United States. His works are becoming available in English and are widely available in Spanish. They include “The Shadow of a Shadow,” “Leonardo’s Bicycle” and “Four Hands.” Also, “Images: A Century in Review” (KNBC 9-10 p.m.) This program surveys scientific developments and their impact on our lives, including penicillin, lithium, genetic engineering, vaccines, antidepressants, telephones and the Cold War space race between the Soviet Union and the United States. Walter Cronkite hosts.

* Monday--”Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (TCM 5-6:30 p.m.) Oscar-winning 1932 movie version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel about a troubled doctor and his experiments, which gave the world a synonym for schizophrenia. Frederick March stars.

* Tuesday--”Ishi: The Last of His Kind” (HIST 9-10 p.m.) Documentary about the discovery of the last living member of a Native American tribe, the Yahis, in 1911. Ishi, as the man was known, became an instant celebrity in California.

* Wednesday--”The Lives of Lillian Hellman” and “Dashiell Hammett. Detective. Writer.” (KCET 8-10 p.m.) Documentaries on the authors of “The Little Foxes” and “The Maltese Falcon.”

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