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-- “Norman Rockwell: Painting America” (KCET 5:30-7 p.m.) Documentary in the “American Masters” series examines the work of noted illustrator Norman Rockwell.

* Friday--”High School Athletes: Do Jocks Rule?” (ESPN2 8-8:30 a.m.) Documentary examines the conflicts between athletically inclined students and all the others. Also, “Nanook of the North” (KCET 10-11:30 p.m., repeats Sunday 1-2:30 p.m.) This 1922 documentary examines the vanishing culture of the Inuit people of the Arctic. Many subsequent filmmakers have modeled their methods on this Robert Flaherty film, but as an anthropological document, it has seldom been surpassed.

* Saturday--”FernGully: The Last Rainforest” (FAM 2-4 p.m.) This animated movie features the voices of Robin Williams and Tim Curry as creatures in the rain forest facing the destruction of their habitat. Both hilarious and scary, it is a current events lesson that remains relevant.

* Sunday--”Apocalypse!” (KCET 9-11 p.m.) Documentary in the “Frontline” series traces the evolution of apocalyptic ideas from their development after the ancient Hebrew exile in Babylon through its expression in modern times. A special historically themed Web site is available at www.pbs.org/frontline.

* Monday--”The Count of Monte Cristo” (Bravo 5-7 p.m., repeats 8-10 p.m.) First installment in a lavishly produced four-part movie based on the classic Alexandre Dumas novel about an unjustly imprisoned man out to avenge his honor. Gerard Depardieu stars. The remaining episodes air in the same time slot Tuesday-Thursday.

* Tuesday--”American Prophet: The Story of Joseph Smith” (KCET, 9-11 p.m.) Documentary combines historical reenactments, historical photos and commentary by scholars to trace the founding of America’s only native-born religion, Mormonism, and its struggle to survive suppression by American military and civilian authorities. Gregory Peck narrates.

* Wednesday--”Eco-Challenge: Path to Patagonia” (DISC 10-11 p.m.) Coverage of the Discovery Channel’s annual Eco-Challenge event combines environmentally themed travel reportage with elements of extreme sports to acquaint viewers with the Patagonian region of Argentina. Highlights of last year’s competition in Morocco also will be shown.

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Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, dean of the School of Education, College of St. Mary, Albany, N.Y. Columns at https://www.latimes.com/tvsmarts.