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--”Battle of the Child Geniuses” (KTTV 8-10 p.m.) This broadcast competition shows there are many things children can dedicate themselves to that can get them on national TV, such as studying hard in school.

* Friday--”Mental Engineering” (KLCS 6:30-7 p.m.) This documentary, intended to hone students’ critical thinking skills, looks at the way TV commercials for Office Depot, the U.S. Army, Miller Beer and Chevrolet manipulate facts and emotions. Also, “Dear Home: Letters From World War I” (HIST 8-9 p.m.) This documentary, being shown in observance of Veterans Day, shows what life was like for young Americans on the front lines as revealed in their letters home during the war that this holiday was initially established to honor.

* Saturday--”Alex Haley’s Roots” (ODSY noon- 6 p.m.) This is an opportunity to tape parts 1-3 of the classic TV miniseries based on Haley’s book of African American history. Parts 4-6 will be shown from noon-6 p.m. Nov. 18. Also, “The Greatest Space Explorer: Hubble Telescope” (TLC 2-3 p.m.) This documentary about the difficulties of establishing a telescopic device in orbit also reveals the cost advantages of just such an unmanned research facility over a manned version. Also, “We Served With Pride” (KLCS 9-10 p.m.) Chronicles the contribution of Chinese Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.

* Sunday--”In the Beginning” (KNBC 9-11 p.m.) Part 1 of a dramatic miniseries based on the Old Testament, including the stories of Adam and Eve, Abraham’s test of faith, the rivalry between Jacob and Esau, and Joseph’s being sold into slavery. Part 2 will air Monday from 8-10 p.m. and chronicles Joseph’s rise to power in Pharaoh’s court, Moses’ struggle to free the Israelites from slavery, his parting of the Red Sea and delivery of the 10 Commandments. Cast includes Martin Landau, Jacqueline Bisset, Alan Bates, Billy Campbell and Eddie Cibrian.

* Monday--”The American Experience: Return With Honor” (KCET 9-11 p.m.) Documentary about U.S. pilots who survived torture and imprisonment by the enemy during the Vietnam War, including film footage from Vietcong and U.S. archives plus interviews with returnees Jeremiah Denton, Mike McGrath, Pete Peterson and John McCain.

* Tuesday--”Animal Encounters: Clever Creatures” (APL 2:30-3 p.m.) Documentary shows animal survival skills, including how vultures throw rocks, bugs fling sand, spiders use lassos and fish spit lethally.

* Wednesday--”Investigative Reports: The SUV Craze” (A&E; 10-11 p.m.) Documentary hosted by Bill Kurtis examines evidence that America’s most popular type of large, sporty vehicle has design characteristics that may cause accidents.

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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.