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--”Just Weight” (KCBS, 10-11 p.m.) This documentary in the “48 Hours” series examines new dieting methods for achieving one’s proper weight. For additional recent dietary information, log on to the Internet quiz event each Friday at www.msnbc.com and click on “Nutrition Notes With Karen Collins, R.D.”

* Friday--”Harlem Computers” (CNN, 7-8 p.m.) This “CNN Newsstand” documentary produced in collaboration with Time magazine describes an effort to close the “digital divide” between those who have computers and those who don’t. At a community technology access center in Harlem, children learn to design Web pages, run an online newspaper and do their homework while adults get computer training. Also, “The U.S. Mint” (DISC, 8-9 p.m.) This documentary about making money--40 million coins per day, including 50 uniquely designed quarters in honor of each state--includes an interview with Glenna Goodacre, the designer of the new dollar coin, a gold piece adorned with Sacajawea.

* Saturday--”The Doomsday Flu” (HIST, 5-6 p.m. repeating 9-10 p.m.) This is a science documentary about an influenza epidemic that swept the world in the early 1900s--before flu shots were available--and killed millions. Almost every extended family in America lost someone in the 1918-19 epidemic. Also, “The Messenger: The Rise and Fall of Elijah Muhammad” (C-SPAN2, 5-7 p.m., repeating Sunday 8-10 p.m.) Videotaped on location at Afrocentric Books in Chicago, author Karl Evanzz discusses his new biography of the co-founder of the Nation of Islam, which describes Muhammad’s encounters with civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X and the Black Panthers.

* Sunday--”Women at Risk: Nutrition and Fitness” (KNBC, 11 a.m.-noon) This health documentary focuses on women’s special nutritional needs. Also, “Gold Discovery” (KCET, 7-8 p.m.) This historical documentary celebrates the anniversary of the discovery of gold in California in January 1848. Huell Howser hosts.

* Monday--”The Africans” (Channel 35--LA Cityview, 9-10 p.m.) This is the first episode of a nine-part documentary series, which previously aired on PBS, on the history and geography of Africa. The city of Los Angeles public access channel will air the series in this time slot until mid-March. “The Great American History Quiz: The Presidents” (HIST, 9-10 p.m.) This history special combines humor, fact and celebrity contestants to highlight the accomplishments and foibles of White House residents throughout U.S. history. Chevy Chase hosts quiz participants Morgan Freeman, Conan O’Brien and George Stephanopoulos.

* Tuesday--”The Pathfinder” (ODYS, 9-11 p.m.) This is a Hallmark Television special based on James Fenimore Cooper’s classic American novel about the struggle between French and English troops in the Great Lakes region in the 1750s, with both sides getting assistance from Native American allies. Kevin Dillon stars. Available on video.

* Wednesday--”Born to Trouble: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” (KCET, 9-10:30 p.m.) This documentary analyzes Mark Twain’s beloved--and often banned--classic novel, asking if the book is brilliant satire against racism or if it reinforces stereotypes.

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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 available at www.latimes.com/tvsmarts.