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--”Charles Lindbergh: Against the Wind” (A&E; 8-9 p.m.) Follows the career of America’s greatest hero in the 1920s. He became one of the nation’s most reviled citizens decades layer because of his pro-Hitler sympathies despite his aviation, scientific and environmental preservation accomplishments. Also, “Great Dames” (KCBS 9-10 p.m.) This broadcast documents the accomplishments and survival skills of five women in politics, business, television, journalism and medicine: Madeline Albright, Debbie Reynolds, Gloria Wilder Braithwaite, columnist Heloise and Joan Collins.

* Friday--”The Cuban Missile Crisis” (HIST 10 a.m.-noon, repeats 3-5 p.m.) An account of the American reaction to Russia’s 1962 deployment of nuclear missiles in Cuba. A new movie based on the same events, “13 Days,” will be analyzed by a team of historians and eyewitnesses on the show “History or Hollywood” (HIST noon-1 p.m., repeats 5-6 p.m.). Also, “Dateline NBC” (KNBC 9-10 p.m.) Describes the Japanese invasion of Kiska and Attu in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands during World War II, the first time American soil was held by an enemy since the War of 1812.

* Saturday--”Malcolm X” (ENCR 8-11:30 p.m.) Follows the book “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” as the African American civil rights crusader and religious leader tells his story to author Alex Haley. Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett star. Rated PG-13. Also, “Schizophrenia: Stolen Lives, Stolen Minds” (DISC 9-10 p.m.) Explains a mental condition that inflicts physical pain and a sense of chaos on people.

* Sunday--”History on Book TV” (C-SPAN2 1:40-2:45 p.m.) On historian Howard Zinn’s popular “A People’s History of the United States: 1492-Present.” Also “The Innovators” (ODSY 3-4 p.m.) Dramatic series about a child’s relationship with great personalities from history, focusing on Marie Curie.

* Monday--”How Buildings Learn” (OVTN 7-8 a.m.) Based on a book by visionary Stuart Brand, known for “The Whole Earth Catalog,” showing how buildings can and should be preserved and environmentally modified. Other episodes air in this time slot Tuesday and Wednesday. Also, “History on Book TV” (C-SPAN2 2-3 p.m.) Focuses on “Joseph McCarthy: Reexamining the Life and Legacy of America’s Most Hated Senator,” by historian Arthur Herman.

* Tuesday--”Cabin in the Sky” (TMC 7-9 p.m.) The cast of this milestone production includes Lena Horne, Ethel Waters, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Eddie Anderson and the Hall Johnson Choir. The theme is the struggle between God and Satan for a man’s soul.

* Wednesday--”The American” (KCET 9-10:30 p.m.) New dramatization of Henry James’ classic novel about a young Californian who becomes a millionaire and heads for Europe to learn its ways and find a wife. The setting is 1877, an era of mining fortunes. Stars Matthew Modine, Diana Rigg and Aisling O’Sullivan. Also, “Hot Rods” (TLC 9-10 p.m.) This science documentary in the Learning Channel’s “Junkyard Wars” series follows competing teams of custom auto mechanics in Chicago and Texas as they discover which is faster, a heavy engine and chassis or a light engine and chassis.

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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.