TV Smarts

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

* Today--”It Happened Here” (TCM 5-7 p.m.) Takes place in England after a German invasion during World War II. The high-quality, semi-documentary style of the production provides a clear lesson about what would have happened in the United States if an enemy armada had reached these shores. Also, “DWP 2001 Science Bowl” (CITY35, 9-9:30 p.m.) Features the final round of competition between North Hollywood High School’s A Team and B Team--the survivors after 150 matches among teams from 28 Los Angeles schools.

* Friday--”This Week in History” (HIST 4-5 p.m.) Documentary about events with recent anniversary dates, including the May 4, 1970, National Guard shooting of four students during the riots at Kent State University, sparked by Richard Nixon’s TV speech announcing a U.S. invasion of Cambodia; the opening of the Empire State building, constructed in the 18 months before May 1, 1931; Nikola Tesla’s patenting of AC electrical power on May 1, 1888; and the death of a family in Oregon caused by a Japanese balloon bomb on May 5, 1945.

* Saturday--”Turbans Against the Sun” and “Eagles Against the Sun” (KLCS 8-9 p.m.) Short movies whose stories take place just before World War II, about Asian American girls and the challenge of social acceptance. One is rooted in the culture of India, the other Japan. Also, “My Family, Mi Familia” (KCET 9-11:30 p.m.) This 1995 multi-generational movie about a Mexican family that came to Los Angeles in the 1920s is being broadcast in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Cast includes Jimmy Smits, Edward James Olmos, Jennifer Lopez and Mary Steenburgen.

* Sunday--”Orson Welles: The One Man Band” (SHOW 6-7:30 p.m.) Offers insights into the life and times of a cinema artist widely considered to be America’s greatest. Produced and narrated by Peter Bogdanovich. Also, “Moby Dick” (TCM 7-9 p.m.) The script of this movie version of the Herman Melville classic was written by Ray Bradbury and John Huston, who also directed. Gregory Peck stars. Also, “Surviving K2” (CNBC 8-9 p.m.) Based in part on “K2: One Woman’s Quest for the Summit,” Heidi Howkins’ book about her mountain-climbing that began on Mount Everest and led to her ascent of the notoriously more difficult K2.

* Monday--”The Ultimate Guide: Pyramids” (DISC 9-10 p.m.) This science and history documentary uses computer graphics to try to figure out how the Aztecs, Mayans and Egyptians accomplished their enormous engineering feats.

* Tuesday--”Islam: Empire of Faith” (KCET 8-10:30 p.m.) Broadcast of three episodes, “The Messenger / The Awakening / The Ottomans,” in a documentary series about the 1,000-year rise of the Islamic faith. Also, “Karen Silkwood: A Life on the Line” (A&E; 8-9 p.m.) Documentary about a whistle-blower who brought national attention to dangerous conditions in the nuclear power industry and died in a car crash on her way to give a reporter documents that had the potential to expose her employer’s wrongdoing.

* Wednesday--”Barbara Bush: First Mom” (A&E; 8-9 p.m.) Documentary about the life of the first woman since Abigail Adams to be the wife of one president and the mother of another. Includes reports on her battles with Nancy Reagan and her crusade against illiteracy. Also, “Conquistadors” (KCET 8-10 p.m.) This broadcast includes two documentaries, “Fall of the Aztecs” and “The Conquest of the Incas,” from British historian Michael Wood’s miniseries about Spanish colonization.

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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.