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----”Brave New Worlds: Beyond Atoms” (KABC 10-11 p.m.) Documentary on the latest physics research presented as a special in the “Nightline in Primetime” series. To explain atoms, quarks and the latest discovery of new physics called “strings,” host Robert Krulwich has enlisted the Emerson String Quartet to play Beethoven and Bach, the rock band They Might Be Giants and video artists, called Josh and Adam, who understand quantum mechanics.

* Friday--”Throne of Blood” (TCM 8:30-10:30 p.m.) This is Oscar-winning Japanese director Akira Kurosawa’s spectacular version of William Shakespeare’s play about the Dark Ages, “Macbeth.” The film makes clear how rising to power by murder leads to a horrible end. Toshiro Mifune stars. Available on video.

* Saturday--”Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century” (KTTV 7-7:30 a.m.) Premiere of an animated science-fiction series based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 19th century detective character. Intended for viewers ages 10 to 12, it was developed in consultation with Stanford University professor Donald Roberts to stimulate students’ critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. For classroom-related material, log on to https://www.foxkids.com.

* Sunday--”Cornerstone” (HBO Signature 7:30-9 p.m.) An unusual production of Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” was produced by the Cornerstone Theater Company of downtown Los Angeles. Forty multicultural nonactors, including a waitress, a day laborer and a released convict, were cast. The play reveals that “real people” enjoy the Bard’s work as much today as they did 400 years ago. For more information, log on to https://www.cornerstonetheater.org.

* Monday--”The Border” (KCET 9-11 p.m.) Documentary about life on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border includes coverage of a movie studio in Baja California where “Titanic” was filmed; the maquiladora factories in Sonora, Mexico; the “winter Texans,” who migrate north seasonally from poor towns south of the Rio Grande; the Latino comedy group Culture Clash; and the Tonhono Indian tribe’s ongoing conflict with the U.S. Border Patrol in Sonora. Narrated by John Quinones. Also, “The Korean War: Fire & Ice” (HIST 10-11 p.m.) First hour of a new documentary series that continues Tuesday-Thursday in the same time slot about a battle that took 2 million lives and put the U.S., North Korea, South Korea, Russia and China on a path of conflict yet to be resolved.

* Tuesday--”Einstein Revealed” (KCET 9-11 p.m.) Installment of the “Nova” science series focuses on how Albert Einstein, who earned poor scores in math and failed college engineering, became the world’s leading physicist within a decade of the end of his formal education.

* Wednesday--”Seeking Solutions” (KCET 8-10:30 p.m.) Documentary about the work of several grass-roots projects led by brave and innovative individuals who are breaking the cycle of youth crime in locations as diverse as San Clemente and Washington, D.C. Correspondent Hedrick Smith explores which techniques work best and can be applied in other communities.

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