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----”Rationing” (TCM 8:30-10:30 p.m.) Comedy about the U.S. home front during World War II could be an eye-opener for students unaware there was a period when consumer habits were limited by law. Also, “History or Hollywood?” (HIST 9-10 p.m.) Historians analyze “The Patriot,” a new movie about the American Revolution starring Mel Gibson.

* Friday--”Play On” (KCET 9-11 p.m.) Using Duke Ellington songs and based on the plot of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” this production follows the adventures of a young woman posing as a man to pursue her dream of being a songwriter.

* Saturday--”Science & Technology Week” (CNN 11:30 a.m.-noon) Documentary about the new atom smasher at Brookhaven National Laboratory designed to re-create conditions after the big bang created the universe. For more information, see https://www.bnl.gov. Also, “Greener Grass: Cuba, the United States and Baseball” (KLCS 8-9 p.m.) An examination of both nations’ passion for baseball, with a look at a Cuban player’s defection to the U.S. and the Baltimore Orioles’ visit to Havana.

* Sunday--”Wild Animal Handlers” (HIST 7-8 p.m.) Zoologists extract snake venom for medical research and handle elephants, alligators and other large, carnivorous animals. For a broader view, log on https://www.lazoo.org, which includes information on student internship interviews July 8 at the Los Angeles Zoo.

* Monday--”The Washington Monument: It Stands for All” (DISC 8-9 p.m.) This documentary uses time-lapse photography, paintings and engineering plans to trace the history of the recently restored landmark. Also, “Code Rush” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) This cinema verite documentary follows five Netscape Communications Inc. engineers during their attempt to save the company in 1998 by debugging and giving away the recipe for their browser in exchange for integrating improvements created by outside unpaid software developers.

* Tuesday--”National Geographic Bee” (KLCS 4:30-5:30 p.m.) Ten students from fourth through eighth grade answer questions on topics ranging from meteorology to international affairs for a chance to win $50,000 in scholarships. Also, “Woodstock” (AMC 7-10:45 p.m.) This 1970 Oscar winner was not intended to be a historical documentary, but it is one of the best. Among the performers at the 1960s rock event are Joan Baez, Joe Cocker, Santana, the Who, Jimi Hendrix, Arlo Guthrie and Richie Havens. Rated R.

* Wednesday--”Flying Machines” (TLC 10-11 p.m.) A team of psychologists and washing-machine repairmen build a glider from junk and get it airborne with a pilot aboard. Also, “48 Hours: The Price of Fame” (KCBS 10-11 p.m.) A look at the lengths people will go to to achieve fame.

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