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 Devil’s Arithmetic” (ODSY 9-11 p.m.) is a movie about a girl who is magically transported to 1941 Poland, where she learns valuable lessons when she is arrested by Nazis. Kirsten Dunst stars. Also, “Sixth Sun: The Mayan Uprising in Chiapas” (KLCS 9-10 p.m.), raises the question of whether the destruction of indigenous cultures must be accepted as a price of modern progress as it looks at the confrontation between land-poor Mayan peasants and large landowners who are supported by the Mexican government.

* Friday--”Monkeys of the Temple Forest” (DISC 7-8 p.m.) shows how macaques living in ancient Sri Lankan ruins prey on rival monkey gangs and human villages nearby. Also, “Dateline NBC” (KNBC 9-10 p.m.) looks at how hate groups use the Internet to attack and harm others. Tom Brokaw anchors.

* Saturday--”Science on Saturday” (C-SPAN2 11 a.m.-noon): Author Robin Henig discusses her book “The Monk in the Garden: The Lost and Found Genius of Gregor Mendel,” about the 19th century Austrian monk whose study of garden peas provided the foundation for the science of genetics. Also, “Pat Robertson: Preaching Politics” (A&E; 8-9 p.m.) is about the U.S. senator’s son who ran for president after founding a conservative Christian broadcasting network and nationwide political movement.

* Sunday--”CNNdotCOM” (11:30 a.m.-noon) reports on how online coverage of political conventions is changing the way political parties present their candidates. Also, “The Great Upset of ‘48” (KCET 4:30-5:30 p.m.) looks at the election that pollsters called erroneously, causing the Chicago Tribune to print the famous--and inaccurate--headline “Dewey Beats Truman.” Also, “Alice in Wonderland” (KNBC 9-11 p.m.) is a live-action version of Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s story, starring Ben Kingsley, Whoopi Goldberg, Peter Ustinov and Martin Short.

* Monday--”NewsHour Special Report: The Republicans” (KCET 5-8 p.m.) gives live coverage of the GOP convention in Philadelphia. Jim Lehrer anchors with commentary by Gwen Ifill, Ray Suarez and Margaret Warner. Also, “48 Hours” (KCBS 10-11 p.m.) will summarize the opening of the convention.

* Tuesday--”Building a Modern World” (HIST 9-10 p.m.) profiles the 19th century rise of American tycoons Astor, Vanderbilt, Carnegie and Rockefeller, whose power exceeded that of presidents.

* Wednesday--”American High” (KTTV 9-10 p.m.): This premiere of a new series, consisting of cinema verite filming at an Illinois high school by filmmaker R.J. Cutler, includes “video diaries” made by students during the 1999-2000 school year. A student-oriented Web site at https://www.fox.com will operate during the summer and early fall.

*

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 https://www.latimes.com/tvsmarts.