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 Promise of Genomics: From Code to Cash” (CNN 3:30-4:30 p.m.) CNN’s “Moneyline” reports on basic scientific issues the investment community should consider before buying a genome-research company’s stock. Also, “Lost Treasures of the Ancient World: Egypt” (KLCS 10-11 p.m.) Documentary on Egyptian monuments at Karnak, Luxor and Abu Simbel. Recommended for viewing in combination with a visit to the “Pharaohs of the Sun” exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. For exhibit information, visit https://www.lacma.org.

* Friday--”The War on Cancer” (HIST 4-5 p.m.) Documentary in the “20th Century With Mike Wallace” series describes how cancer research has raised hopes that half or more of the forms of the disease are curable, up from near zero a generation ago. Also, “Walker Evans/America” (KLCS 8-9 p.m.) Documentary on Walker Evans (1903-1975), the first photographer to have a one-man retrospective at the New York Museum of Modern Art, is known for his powerful images of the South during the 1930s as illustrator of James Agee’s classic book on American families and the Great Depression, “Let Us Now Praise Famous Men.”

* Saturday--”California Missions” (KCET 3-8 p.m.) Marathon broadcast of all eight of Huell Howser’s half-hour documentaries about the state’s 21 Colonial-era missions, airing to coincide with fourth-graders’ studying the subject this spring. Teacher’s guide available at (800) 266-5727.

* Sunday--”Hispanic Business Today” (KNBC 3-3:30 p.m.) Economic report on innovative Latino-owned companies. Also, “Ancient Mysteries: Tombs of the Gods--The Great Pyramids of Giza” (A&E; 9-10 p.m.) Documentary on the most famous Egyptian pyramids provides background for a visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s “Pharaohs” exhibit.

* Monday--”Gold Fever” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) Documentary about the “other” Gold Rush, 50 years after California’s, that attracted Americans to Alaska.

* Tuesday--”Noah’s Flood” (HIST 3:30-4 p.m.) A look at the scientific research on the biblical story of the Great Flood.

* Wednesday--”Tosca” (KCET 8-11 p.m.) This production transposes Puccini’s richly melodic, highly emotional opera from 1800s Rome to another era when political intrigue and police corruption were rife--the 1930s and ‘40s. Amy Johnson and Alfred Portilla are featured in this New York City Opera company staging. Also, “Dateline: NBC” (KNBC 10-11 p.m.) Documentary about the math and science behind the four most common types of “fender-bender” auto accidents.

Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, dean of the School of Education, College of St. Rose, Albany, New York. Columns at https://www.latimes.com/tvsmarts.