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--”Joe Louis” (A&E; 8-9 p.m.) A look at Louis’ fight for equality for African Americans and his defeat of Germany’s best boxer at the 1936 Olympics and again in the 1938 Boxing World Championship.

* Friday--”Werner von Braun” (A&E; 8-9 p.m.) Traces the life of the rocket pioneer from his teenage years in Germany to his leadership of NASA in the United States. Also, “Dateline NBC” (KNBC 9-10 p.m.) With insurance companies in the headlines in California, this is a look at what happens when companies challenge a claim. Reporter John Larson conducted a 15-month investigation of the practices of the nation’s largest insurance firm, State Farm.

* Saturday--”Geronimo: An American Legend” (HBO 2-5 p.m.) Screenwriter John Milius focuses on the historical record of an Apache leader and 34 warriors holding 5,000 U.S. troops at bay. Cast includes Wes Studer, Gene Hackman and Robert Duvall. Also, “Generation H: National History Day” (HIST 6-7 p.m.) Follows the 1999 and 2000 winners of a nationwide competition for pre-college students to produce the best history exhibits, skits, documentaries and essays. Willard Scott hosts. See https://www.thehistorynet.com.

* Sunday--”Have Geeks Become Chic?” (CNN 1:30-2 p.m.) Traces the development of the technology nerd, including an interview with John Katz, author of “Geeks.” Also, with Korea in the headlines, the History Channel airs a documentary marathon from 7 p.m. to midnight on the war that started there June 25, 1950.

* Monday--”The Search for Jesus” (KABC 9-11 p.m.) A look at the historical debate surrounding the biblical story of Jesus. Peter Jennings anchors. For more information, see https://www.abcnews.com or https://www.beliefnet.com. Also, “Resurrection Blvd.” (SHOW 10-11:30 p.m.) Premiere of original dramatic series about an East Los Angeles family with a long legacy of professional boxers. Further episodes air Mondays at 10 p.m. TV rated PG-14. Details at https://www.showtimeonline.com.

* Tuesday--”La Boda” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) Cameras covered a wedding in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, to describe the lives of young people in the U.S.-Mexico border region where families embrace their Mexican roots as they incorporate American dreams into their lives.

* Wednesday--”Desert Survival” (DISC 7-8 p.m.) Survival techniques of camels, specifically those introduced into the Australian outback. Also, “Peter the Great” (A&E; 8-9 p.m.) Describes the career of the tsar who, between 1696-1752, almost single-handedly modernized and Westernized Russia.

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