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--”Hamlet” (BRAV 5-8 p.m. repeats 10 p.m.-1 a.m.) Viewing director Franco Zefferelli’s movie version of the Shakespeare classic, combined with reading the play, is excellent preparation for tests and essay assignments. Mel Gibson, Glenn Close star. Also, “Flying Free” (KCET 8-9 p.m.) Monrovia, Calif., aviation engineer Paul MacCready, inventor of the human-powered Gossamer Condor in 1977, explains his latest planes that operate “with minimal energy but maximum performance.” Alan Alda hosts.

* Friday--”In Search of the Holy Grail” (HIST 3-3:30 p.m.) Explores historical evidence suggesting the chalice used by Jesus at the Last Supper may have been found. Also, “Louis B. Mayer, King of Hollywood” (TCM 4-5 p.m.) Tells one of the most famous immigrant-makes-good stories: A boy from Minsk becomes the highest-salaried person in America at a time when $1 million a year meant something.

* Saturday--”Children’s Books: On the Trail of Sacagawea” (C-Span2 9-10 a.m.) Featured on this author-interview program is photographer Peter Lourie’s pictorial account of the places Sacagawea (the woman on the dollar coin) visited on her voyage with explorers Lewis and Clark. Also, “Modern Marvels: Then and Now--Transcontinental Railroads” (HIST, 6-7 p.m.) About the most-expensive technical challenge of the 19th century, the race between two railroad companies to link America’s east and west coasts. Also, “Romeo and Juliet” (KABC 8-11 p.m.) Modern dress movie version of Shakespeare’s play. Leonardo Di Caprio, Claire Danes star.

* Sunday--”Darkness into Light: Semana Santa” (KCET 3-4 p.m.) Follows the people of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, through the week of traditional observances leading to Easter Sunday. Also, “Mary, Mother of Jesus” (KNBC 8-11 p.m.) New TV movie based on the Biblical account of Mary of Nazareth. Pernilla August, Christian Bale star. Also, “Miracles” (HBO 10-11 p.m.) Examines contemporary faith healing and the neurological causes of miraculous recovery in the U.S., Nigeria, Canada and France.

* Monday--”The Human Zoo” (DISC 9-11 p.m.) Describes psychological research about human behavior in public places, classrooms and experimental environments, filmed with hidden cameras. Also, “Rising Waters: Global Warming and the Fate of the Pacific Islands” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) Describes the possible effects of climatic changes on the environment of islands along the Pacific Rim.

* Tuesday--”A Walk in Your Shoes” (NOG 7-7:30 p.m.) Live-action drama on cultural diversity describes the experiences of two teens from opposite sides of the world, India and the U.S., who visit each other’s homeland. An online chat follows. Also, “Cracking the Code of Life” (KCET 8-10 p.m.) Describes the methods used by two competing teams of researchers who recently deciphered the billions of letter-combinations of the human genetic code. Robert Krulwich hosts.

* Wednesday--”Visiting with Huell Howser: Zanja Madre” (CITY 7-7:30 p.m.) Describes early Los Angeles’ sewer and storm water-disposal system, the “mother ditch” and its tributaries from Olvera Street to the L.A. River.

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.calendarlive.com/go/tvsmarts.