TV Smarts

Some broadcast and cable programs contain material included in the public school curriculum and on standardized examinations. Here are viewing tips:

* Today--”Schindler’s List” (KCET 8-11:30 p.m., repeating Saturday 8-11:30 p.m.) Steven Spielberg has prepared an educational introduction and epilogue for this PBS broadcast of his 1993 Oscar-winning film about the Holocaust. After the Saturday encore, KCET will broadcast “Schindler,” a documentary produced in 1982 by John Blair. Also, “Sleep Tight” (KCBS 10-11 p.m). This “48 Hours” science documentary examines sleep disorders.

* Friday--”Croc People” (CNBC 8-9 p.m.) This documentary about scientists who study crocodiles is the first in a series titled “Croc Weekend” on CNBC. Saturday, “Crocs & Gators” can be seen at 8 p.m., and Sunday it’s “Crocodile” at 8 p.m. Also, “Alfred Stieglitz: The Eloquent Eye” (KCET 9-10:30 p.m.) This documentary profiles the acclaimed American photographer and champion of the Modern movement in American art. Also, “The Spanish Inquisition” (TLC 10-11 p.m.) This documentary explains the roots of the Inquisition more than 500 years ago.

* Saturday--”The Fire Next Time” (ODSY 2-6 p.m.) This is a dramatic miniseries about a family experiencing the future as it might be if global warming continues unchecked. Craig T. Nelson and Bonnie Bedelia star. For the latest scientific studies on the topic, log on to https://www.sciencemag.org or read the April 13 edition of Science, the magazine of the American Assn. for the Advancement of Science. Also, “The Bookshow With Patt Morrison” (KCET 6-6:30 p.m.) This program features Los Angeles author Ray Bradbury in a rare television interview on the occasion of the reissue of his science-fiction classic “Fahrenheit 451” and historian-memoirist Lisa See discussing “On Gold Mountain,” an account of her Chinese American family’s history.

* Sunday--”Varian’s War” (SHOW 8-10 p.m.) This movie is based on the true story of an American scholar who successfully operated an underground network in France during World War II to rescue prominent European artists, including Marc Chagall and Franz Werfel, from Nazi persecution. William Hurt, Julia Ormond and Alan Arkin star.

* Monday--”Powering the Planet” (CNN 1:30-2 a.m.) This special edition of “CNN Newsroom,” a daily current events program created especially for teachers to show their students, features the energy crisis in California. Segments include “Global Warming,” “Youth Apathy” and “Fossil Fuels.” A free classroom guide is available at https://www.CNNfyi.com/newsroom and prerecorded tapes can be ordered at (800) 344-6291.

* Tuesday--”Beyond Organic” (KCET 10-10:30 p.m.) This is a documentary about Fairview Gardens, a 12-acre organic farm in Goleta managed by Michael Ableman, whose books “On Good Land: The Autobiography of an Urban Farm” and “From the Good Earth: A Celebration of Growing Food Around the World” describe sustainable food-production methods that can be practiced at school sites. More information at https://www.cityfarmer.org/autourbanfarm.html.

* Wednesday--”The Famous Wally Amos: The Cookie King” (A&E; 8-9 p.m.) This documentary about the founder of a popular chocolate-chip cookie company explores Amos’ initial work as the first African American talent at the William Morris Agency and his personal struggle to build and maintain a stable family. Also, “The Old Settler” (KCET 8-9:30 p.m.) This movie is based on John Henry Redwood’s play set in Harlem during the 1940s. Sisters Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen star in this comedic drama as unmarried, middle-aged siblings whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of a man.

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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.calendarlive.com.