TV Smarts

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

* Today--”Great Minds, Great Discoveries” (KCBS, 10-11 p.m.) This documentary in the series “People of the Century: CBSNews/Time 100,” is about scientists and provides review material for general science tests in several grades. Philo Farnsworth’s invention of television is described, as is Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, Alan Turing’s early mathematical and computer work, Rachel Carson’s environmental work, and the contributions of Fermi, Freud, Einstein, Salk, Crick, Watson and others. Morley Safer hosts. VCR+5106

* Friday--”The Greatest Invention: The Microchip” (TLC, 7-8 p.m. repeating 10-11 p.m. and Saturday 4-5 p.m.) The title of this documentary may seem hyperbolic, but the program is actually about engineering a chip for the 21st century, one goal being the duplication of human intelligence. VCR+586084. Also, “The Story of Louis Pasteur” (TCM, 9:30-11 p.m.) This Oscar-winning movie accurately chronicles the achievements of the French scientist considered by many to be the father of modern medical research. Paul Muni stars. VCR+3253268. Available on video.

* Saturday--”History Undercover” (HIST, 3-4 p.m.) This documentary is about the bitter contest between two companies, Edison Electric and Westinghouse Electric, to provide electric current for the city of New York in the 1880s. Each claimed the other’s product was the type used to execute people in the electric chair at the state’s prison. VCR+91263. Also, “The Secret Life of Money” (A&E;, 7-8 p.m., repeating 10-11 p.m.) This documentary on the history of coinage and credit, from ancient Greece to Florence to Donald Trump, provides a concise history of world business practices. VCR+434027.

* Sunday--”CBS News Sunday Morning” (CBS, 7-8:30 a.m.) The main story in this episode of CBS’ regular Sunday newsmagazine is a profile of Janet Reno, the longest-serving U.S. attorney general in history. Also, “Mutiny” (KNBC, 9-11 p.m.) This is a movie about the explosion of a Navy munitions ship near San Francisco in 1944 that killed more than 300, injured another 300 and flattened a waterfront area comparable, in Los Angeles terms, to Terminal Island and San Pedro. Most of the Navy casualties were African Americans who had been loading ammunition ships. The surviving African American sailors refused to return to work until safety conditions were improved. Of these, 50 were tried for mutiny and convicted. Michael Jai White, Duane Martin and David Ramsey star. Special note: On Tuesday, a historical documentary, “Port Chicago Mutiny,” will air on TLC, 7-8 p.m., providing additional insights on the topic of the Sunday NBC movie.

--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate director for teacher education, Cal State University. Columns available at www.calendarlive.com/HOME/CALENDARLIVE/TVENT/TVSMARTS.nnnn.