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--”Adventure Divas--Cuba: Paradox Found” (KCET 8-9 p.m.) Documentary includes interviews with women in Cuba. Also, “Amelia Earhart’s Last Flight” (KLCS 9:30-10:30 p.m.)

* Friday--”Jack London’s Call of the Wild” (ANML 7-9 p.m.) First episode of new, weekly series based on Jack London’s classic Alaska adventure novel about a special sled dog.

* Saturday--”Earth Matters” (CNN 11:30 a.m.-noon) A report on aquaculture. Also, “Peacekeepers” (BBCAmerica 7-8:30 p.m.) Movie about British U.N. peacekeepers on duty and under fire in the former Yugoslavia. Airing on a cable channel available on only some cable systems. Part II airs Sunday at 7 p.m.

* Sunday--”Mars: Pioneering a Planet” (TLC 8-9 p.m.) Documentary on NASA’s plans for permanent human settlements on Mars includes video simulations, sci-fi movie clips and explanations by scientists and science-fiction writers.

* Monday--”SportsFigures” (ESPN2 2:30-3 a.m.--recommended for taping) This commercial-free series uses famous sports figures and sports videos to teach math and physics concepts to high school students. Bishop Alemany High School senior Nina Tioleco of Mission Hills was awarded first prize in a science essay contest sponsored by the show. Also, “Between the Lions” (KCET 2-2:30 p.m.) First episode of a daily show in this time-slot designed to help kids learn to read. For educational materials, see https://www.pbskids.org/lions.

* Tuesday--”Arresting the Corruption: The Rampart Scandal” (KCET 7-8 p.m.) Val Zavala and Warren Olney host. Also, “Casino Technology” (HIST 10-11 p.m.) Documentary on the evolution of an industry.

* Wednesday--”The Manchurian Candidate” (AMC 7-9:15 p.m.) Movie version of Richard Condon’s novel about America’s political struggle and always-evolving involvement with Asia looks as though it were based on current news headlines.

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