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 Elusive Treasure: The Quest for Tutankhamen’s Tomb” (HIST 4-4:30 p.m.) This documentary describes World War I-era Egyptologist Howard Carter’s 20-year search for the famous tomb and the strange events that followed his success. Also, “Visiting--With Huell Howser” (CITY 7-7:30 p.m.) This documentary describes the city of Los Angeles-supported restoration of a historic Hollywood Boulevard theater for use by the American Cinematheque. Schedule information available at https://www.americancinematheque.com.

* Friday--”American Writers: A Journey Through History” (C-SPAN 8-9 p.m.) Initial broadcast of a new live weekly series broadcast from historic sites recounts the life of William Bradford, who drafted the Mayflower Compact. Future profile subjects include Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Mark Twain and Betty Friedan. Also, “The Harry Award 2001” (HIST 8-9 p.m.) This annual program honoring films that contribute to the public’s understanding and appreciation of history is named for the Greek historian Herodotus. This year’s nominees are “Gladiator,” “Men of Honor,” “The Patriot,” “Thirteen Days” and “U571.” Interviews with Mel Gibson, Matthew McConaughey and Robert McNamara.

* Saturday--”Children’s Books on BookTV” (C-SPAN2 9-10 a.m.) Author Beatrice Gormley discusses her recently published “President George W. Bush: Our Forty-Third President.” Also, “Ellis Marsalis: Jazz Is Spoken Here” (KLCS 9:30-10:30 p.m.) Marsalis, a jazz exponent, music educator and role model for young musicians, discusses what he has learned about music and life through his art.

* Sunday--”A Complete History of the Green Berets” (HIST 8-10 p.m.) Documentary about the “quiet professionals” trained to train others since World War II, focuses on their intelligence, physical strength and ability to speak foreign languages. “South Pacific” (KABC 8-11 p.m.) New production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical based on James Michener’s novel about World War II. Glenn Close stars.

* Monday--”The Carpet Slaves: Stolen Children of India” (CMAX 4-5 p.m.) Report in the “Reel Life” series, directed by Emmy-winning documentarians Brian Woods and Kate Blewett, follows a man’s search for his missing son with the help of a children’s rights organization, South Asian Coalition Against Child Servitude. The child is rescued from a factory that uses underage slave labor to produce rugs for sale to U.S. and European markets at low prices. Also, “Generation RX: Reading Writing and Ritalin” (A&E; 10-11 p.m.) This documentary about medical treatments for attention deficiency, hyperactivity and other behavioral problems includes viewpoints of doctors, teachers and children. Bill Kurtis reports.

* Tuesday--”Superhuman Body: The Future of Medicine” (TLC 9-11 p.m.) Four-episode documentary miniseries examines the human body’s healing process and scientific research about enhancing healing. “Trauma” and “Spare Parts” air today. On Wednesday “Self-Repair” and “Cures” air from 9 to 11 p.m. Also, “The Pentagon” (HIST 10-11 p.m.) This technology documentary in the “Modern Marvels” series explains how the Defense Department’s headquarters, the world’s largest office building at 6.5 million square feet, was constructed in 18 months during World War II, based on plans by George Bergstrom, designer of the Hollywood Bowl.

* Wednesday--”La Boheme” (KCET 8-11 p.m.) This broadcast of Puccini’s opera originates at the New York City Opera.

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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/go/tvsmarts.