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--”48 Hours” (KCBS, 10-11 p.m.) This science documentary surveys viruses, infections and fungi--including the strachybotrus fungus, streptococcus B and E. coli--”invisible killers” threatening the human population.

* Friday--”Lonely Planet” (TRAV, 5-7 p.m.) This geography documentary describes the Sinai region of the Middle East (Pope John Paul II made a historic pilgrimage to Mt. Sinai last month) as well as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Red Sea. Also, “Nightline: Kids in Court” (KABC, 11:35 p.m.-midnight) Because of the late hour of this current events documentary on Proposition 21--whether to put certain juvenile offenders on trial in adult courts--some viewers may wish to tape and preview it for viewing by students at another time.

* Saturday--”Head of the Class: The Lion King” (BRAV, 6-7 p.m.) This is a documentary about theater arts instruction at P.S. 62 in Queens, N.Y., where dance, mask-making and writing exercises based on the Broadway production of “The Lion King” contribute to development of math and reading skills. Narration is by Samuel E. Wright, who originated the role of Musafa in the stage production. Also, “Academic Decathlon Super Quiz” (KLCS, 8-10 p.m.) This is coverage of the final stage of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s recent annual competition for high school teams. The quiz topic was “Sustainable Earth.” Broadcast repeats March 17.

* Sunday--”Dateline” (KNBC, 8-9 p.m.) This science documentary about effects of nutrition on brain functions and learning includes commentary on foods and vitamin supplements mentioned in the recent book “Your Miracle Brain” by Jean Carper. Also, “Mysteries of the Pyramids” (DISC, 9-10 p.m.) Engineers and social scientists describe how astronomy and religion determined the structure of pyramids in various countries.

* Monday--”Tunnels: Digging In” (DISC, 8-9 p.m.) This documentary about modern tunnel engineering includes details of the MTA Red Line being built under the Hollywood Hills, using a 170-ton machine to chew through five miles of rock, crossing several earthquake fault lines. The effort is favorably compared with subway extension projects in New York City and Washington, D.C.

* Tuesday--”Super Tuesday” (CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, 5 p.m. midnight) This is marathon coverage of the national primary and local elections in California, New York, Florida and several other states that may, on this occasion, determine each party’s nominee for president. Also, something to switch to during the news marathon: Ray Suarez of “The News Hour” on PBS narrates a geography documentary, “Forgotten Florida” (KOCE, 10:30-11 p.m.), about fascinating and bizarre “roadside attractions” there 40 to 50 years ago, long before the much tamer theme parks were built.

* Wednesday--”Danger on the Rails” (A&E;, 6-7 p.m.) This “safety documentary” utilizes recent TV news footage about accidents caused by carelessness when people cross train tracks. Bill Kurtis hosts the edition of “Investigative Reports,” of particular relevance to Los Angeles viewers who live or drive near MTA Blue Line and Metrolink tracks.