TV Smarts

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

* Today--”Small Steps, Big Strides: The Black Experience in Hollywood” (AMC 4-5 p.m.) Describes the contribution of African American actors, including Lena Horne, Paul Robeson, Bill Robinson and Ruby Dee, to American cinema. Lou Gossett Jr. narrates. Also, “The Competition: Firefighter Challenge” (A&E; 10-11 p.m.) Documentary about teams of firefighters from all over North America competing in a series of skill challenges.

* Friday--”Trade Secrets: A Moyers Report” (KCET 9-10:30 p.m.) Based on newly released industrial reports documenting the release of more than 70,000 chemicals into the air, the program describes what happens to these substances once they have been absorbed into our bodies and how we can protect ourselves.

* Saturday--”People in the News” (CNN 8:30-9 a.m.) Profiles Alex Rodriguez, who was discovered by an agent at a youth baseball tournament in Mexico and is now one of the highest-paid professional athletes with a $250-million 10-year contract. Also, “The Jazz Singer” (TCM 5-6:30 p.m.) The historic movie credited with launching filmmaking into the sound era, chronicling a young musician’s struggle to make a career in the popular music industry against the wishes of his family. Al Jolson stars. Also, “Cry Freedom” (Bravo 5-8 p.m.) Movie based on the experiences of a white South African newspaper editor who put his life in danger when he investigated the prison death of black activist Steven Biko. Kevin Klein and Denzel Washington star.

* Sunday--”The Panda Baby” (KCET 8-9 p.m.) Describes efforts at the San Diego Zoo to bring the giant panda species back from the brink of extinction, including the birth of Hua Mei, the first panda born in the U.S. to survive infancy.

* Monday--”Giant Creepy Crawlies” (DISC 8-9 p.m.) Introduces viewers to worms so large (6 feet) that you can hear them moving underground, piano-sized clams that can entrap humans, and butterflies with a 12-inch wing span. Also, “This Week in History” (HIST 8-9 p.m.) Tonight’s topics are Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination April 3, 1968, Hank Aaron’s home run number 715 that surpassed Babe Ruth’s record, Jesse James’ death and the accidental invention of Teflon on April 6, 1938. Also, “Scottsboro: An American Tragedy” (KCET 9-10:30 p.m.) Follows events in Alabama from 1931 to 1948, when nine African American men were put on trial for their lives in a rape case. Andre Braugher narrates.

* Tuesday--”Master Photographers: Andre Kertesz” (OVTN 4-5 p.m.) Examines the work of the American photographer and his artistic roots in Hungary and France. Also, “Born in the USA” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) Reports on the birthing industry, including interviews with doctors, nurses, midwives and mothers, about traditional and alternative ways of dealing with childbirth in the U.S.

* Wednesday--”Turandot” (OVTN 6-8:30 p.m.) This broadcast performance of Puccini’s epic opera about ancient China by the San Francisco Opera stars Eva Marton and was designed by painter David Hockney.

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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.