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--”The Largest Ferris Wheel in the World” (DISC 8-9 p.m.) Construction of London’s Millennium wheel, 450 feet in diameter, that opened its 832 seats to the public 30 days late, missing the millennium celebration. Also, “The American President” (KCET 9-10 p.m.) Final two episodes of the series on the chief executive.

* Friday--”College Admission Countdown” (CNN 7-8 p.m.) Filmed at Massachusetts’ Williams College, this documentary reveals what admissions officers look for in a student’s record when reading applications. Also, “World Timeline: Egypt’s Greatest Pharaohs” (HIST 8 p.m.-midnight) Series on famous Egyptian rulers. Also, “Dateline NBC” (KNBC 9-10 p.m.) A Michigan man with no training obtained a license and conducted a medical practice.

* Saturday--”The Killer Fog” (HIST 8-9 p.m.) A smog attack in London in 1952 killed more than 10,000 people. Also, “Animal World: The Chimpanzee” (DISC 8-9 p.m.) Scientists have calculated that chimps are more closely related to humans than to gorillas or orangutans, and their social system can be a haven of peace one minute and anarchy the next.

* Sunday--”Walking With Dinosaurs” (DISC 7-10 p.m.) A look at the largest creatures that ever lived, including how the ancient reptiles hunted, fed, mated and raised their young. Also, “David Copperfield” (KCET 9-10:30 p.m.) TV version of Charles Dickens’ novel about child labor, first love and young lawyers has an all-star cast, including Bob Hoskins and Maggie Smith.

* Monday--”Aztec Conquest” (HIST 3:30-4 p.m.) A look at the conquest of Mexico from the Spanish viewpoint. Leonard Nimoy hosts.

* Tuesday--”Science Frontiers: The Multiple Personality Puzzle” (TLC 10-11 p.m.) Archival material is used to present this mental health disorder. Also, “Hollywood Looks at the Bible” (AMC 10:15-11:15 p.m.) A comparison of Bible texts and movie versions.

* Wednesday--”Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” (TCM 5-7:30 p.m.) Movie on the technically challenging U.S. air raid on Tokyo 17 weeks after Japan’s surprise bombing of Hawaii during World War II.

*

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