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--”Twenty Years of Stories: This is CNN--The First Decade” (CNN 6-8 p.m., repeats 9-11 p.m.) Two-part special surveys current history. Tonight’s program covers 1980-1990.

* Friday--”The Next Generation Vehicle” (KLCS 4-4:30 p.m.) Explains the pollution-reducing electric, hybrid and fuel cell auto technology coming on the market.

* Saturday--”The Armenian Americans” (KOCE 6:30-7:30 p.m.) A survey of the achievements of Americans bonded by the Armenian church, culture and language, including prominent Californians George Deukmejian, Jerry Tarkanian, Mike Connors, Eric Bogosian and William Saroyan. Also, “The Real Cowboy: Portrait of an American Icon” (HIST 9-11 p.m.) The 300-year history of cowboys, including their Spanish origin, racial diversity, portrayal in the media and role in agriculture. Bill Kurtis reports.

* Sunday--”Arctic Flyer” (CNBC 8-9 p.m.) A film crew in a “chase plane” followed amateur aviator Gustavus MaLeod on his grueling, 3,500-mile flight to the North Pole in an open-cockpit plane, the first such feat to succeed. Also, “Quest for the Giant Squid” (DISC 9-10 p.m.) An expedition sponsored by the National Museum of Natural History visits a 60-foot giant squid in its natural habitat.

* Monday--”Well-Founded Fear” (KCET 9-11 p.m.) A documentary on people seeking political asylum in the United States, centering on hard-to-forget scenes of applicants’ attempts to demonstrate that their fear of persecution or even death in their homelands is well-founded, reveals dilemmas caused by the federal asylum-granting process.

* Tuesday--”Save Our History: National D-Day Museum” (HIST 7-8 p.m.) The National D-Day Museum opens in New Orleans, and this TV special guides viewers through the exhibits. More information on America’s role during WWII can be found at https://www.ddaymuseum.org.

* Wednesday--”The Art of the Piano” (KCET 9-11 p.m.) A look at how instrument manufacturing, performance styles and recording techniques have shaped the piano in the 20th century, including archival concert footage of pianists Arthur Rubenstein, Glenn Gould, Vladimir Horowitz, Alfred Cortot, Edwin Fischer and Wilhelm Backhaus.

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.