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--”Sacrifice at Pearl Harbor” (HIST, 3-3:30 p.m.) and “Remembering WWII: Pearl Harbor” (HIST, 8-9 p.m.) These documentaries examine theories of survivors, experts and historians about U.S. political and military intelligence miscalculations that may have contributed to the success of the Japanese attack on Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. Also, “Shooting War” (KABC, 9-11 p.m.) This documentary about World War II combat photographers was written and directed by Richard Schickel. Steven Spielberg was executive producer, and Tom Hanks hosts.

* Friday--”Master Photographer: Ansel Adams” (OVTN, 3-4 p.m.) This documentary examines works of Ansel Adams included in the California public school arts curriculum. Also, “National Geographic Explorer” (CNBC, 8-9 p.m.) The topics covered in this science documentary are “Tsunami: Killer Waves,” about one of nature’s least understood forces, and “Can’t Drown This Town,” about the huge 1993 Mississippi River flooding in the Midwest. Another water-related documentary, “Against the Tides” (ANML, 8-9 p.m.), follows the upstream struggle of salmon from the sea to their fresh-water spawning ground.

* Saturday--”Biography on BookTV” (C-SPAN2, 5-6 p.m.) In this interview program, retired NASA engineer Homer Hickam discusses his memoir, “Rocket Boys,” and the process of making the book into the movie “October Sky.” Also, “Space Walkers: The Ultimate High-Wire Act” (DISC, 9-10 p.m.) This documentary describes the mechanical engineering and human skill required to work in space outside the recently launched International Space Station. On Sunday, “Inside the Space Station” (DISC, 9-10 p.m.) introduces the individuals from around the world who built the world’s first home in space and shows how it works. Also, “Tora, Tora, Tora: The Real Story of Pearl Harbor” (HIST, 9-11 p.m.) This documentary about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor shows what happened from their viewpoint.

* Sunday--”David Copperfield” (TNT, 8-10 p.m.) The cast of this new movie version of Charles Dickens’ semiautobiographical novel about life in 19th century London includes Michael Richards, Sally Field and Anthony Andrews. (Part 2 airs Monday, 8-10 p.m.) Also, “The Natalie Cole Story” (KNBC, 9-11 p.m.) This movie about the daughter of Nat King Cole shows the effects different eras of racial discrimination and professional pressure have on artists in the field of music. Cast includes Diahann Carroll and James McDaniel. Natalie Cole plays herself.

* Monday--”The Best of Cosmos” (KCET, 8-10 p.m.) This documentary presents the “greatest moments” from the outstanding PBS astronomy series hosted by the late Carl Sagan, plus new images and scientific updates.

* Tuesday--”The Animated Epics: Beowulf” (HBO, 4:30-5) This often-taught ancient Anglo-Saxon folk tale about a hero who defeats numerous monsters is narrated by Derek Jacobi. Also, “The Prince and the Pauper” (TCM, 7-9 p.m.) This is the classic movie version of the Mark Twain novel about a 16th century prince who trades places with a look-alike peasant. Errol Flynn stars. Available on video.

* Wednesday--”Steve Wozniak” (A&E;, 8-9 p.m.) This documentary in the “Biography” series is about a college drop-out recently inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame along with Marconi and Bell. Wozniak is credited as the genius behind the personal computer revolution. In 1976 he and Steve Jobs soldered together the first Apple computer in Wozniak’s bedroom. Also, “Wind Mill” (TLC, 8-9 p.m.) This documentary in the “Junkyard Wars” series examines the best ways to generate electricity from wind power.

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