TV Smarts

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

* Today--”Price of Perfection” (KCBS 10-11 p.m.) CBS’ “48 Hours” series describes the mental and physical consequences of dieting, exercise and surgery to have a “perfect” body.

* Friday--”Apartheid’s Last Stand” (DISC 10-11 p.m.) Documentary in the “Headline Discovery” series speculates about what will happen to South Africa after President Mandela leaves office.

* Saturday--”Sesame Street” (KCET 6-7 a.m.) Supplementing the regular broadcast, a touring live-on-stage version is playing at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Show times Saturday are 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 and 4 p.m. (805) 583-8700. “Inherit the Wind” (SHOW 8-10 p.m.) New version of the classic Lawrence and Lee play about a teacher put on trial in 1925 for including Darwin’s theory of evolution in a class lesson. Starring Jack Lemmon and George C. Scott. May be unsuitable for young children.

* Sunday--”China in Revolution” (KCET 12:30-2:30 p.m.) In observance of Asia-Pacific Heritage Month, this documentary covers events in China from 1911-1949. “The Gate of Heavenly Peace” (KCET 2:30-5 p.m.) looks at protest movements in the People’s Republic, and “China: Born Under the Red Flag” (KCET 5-7 p.m.) examines economic improvements since Chairman Mao.

* Monday--”Dash and Lilly” (A&E; 5-7 p.m., repeats 7-9 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.) Biographical movie about author Dashiell Hammett and dramatist Lillian Hellman covers their careers from the Prohibition era through World War II. Directed by Oscar-winner Kathy Bates. Starring Judy Davis and Sam Shepard.

* Tuesday--”The Legacy: Murder & Media, Politics & Prisons” (KCET 9-10 p.m.) Documentary about events leading to the enactment of the “three strikes and you’re out” sentencing law.

* Wednesday--”Stealing Time: The New Science of Aging” (KCET 8-11 p.m.) Three-part series about how our conduct as children, involving diet, exercise and using our brains, can determine how much fun we will have have as adults.

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