TV Smarts

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

* Today. “The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank” (Family Channel, 9-11 p.m.) This is a television drama, based on the historical record, about a Jewish girl’s experiences in Holland during the Nazi occupation. Lisa Jacobs, Mary Steenburgen and Paul Scofield star.

* Friday. “Pollution Solutions” (KCET, 4:30-5 p.m.) This episode of PBS’ “Bill Nye, the Science Guy” provides background for understanding the low-pollution energy proposals the U.S. is advocating at the Earth Summit meeting underway in Germany this week. For further information, log onto https://nyelabs.kcts.org

* Saturday. “Bioperfection: Building the New Human Race” (Sci-Fi, 4-6 p.m.) In this science documentary, a special edition of the “Sightings” series, physicist Steven J. Hawking and other scientists discuss using technology to alter human life. Issues covered are bionic prostheses, microsurgery, genetic recoding, cryogenics and computer-aided thought. Tim White hosts. Additional information on www.scifi.com/sightings

* Sunday. “Newton: A Tale of Two Isaacs,” (HBO, 2-3 p.m.) This is a program in the “Inventor’s Specials” series of dramas in which a young person influences the work of a famous inventor. Repeats Tuesday, June 22 and 27.

Also, “Robert F. Kennedy: A Memoir” (Discovery 3-6 p.m.). This broadcast observes the 30th anniversary of RFK’s assassination and includes all three episodes of a documentary series on Robert Kennedy’s life. It is based on the book of the same title by Jack Newfield (Dutton Publishers) and is narrated by Glenn Close, Mario Cuomo and Ving Rhames.

Additional note: “100 Years . . . 100 Movies,” a three-hour American Film Institute special on the history of American cinema, airs on KCBS at 8 p.m. Tuesday, hosted by Jodie Foster and Richard Gere. Also, Turner Network Television will air 10 one-hour specials with analyses of the films each week beginning June 23. Web site: www.afionline.org

--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate dean, College of Education, Cal State Northridge. For references to books, videos and Web sites recommended in the past month’s TV Smarts, log on www.calendar

live.com/HOME/CALENDARLIVE/TVENT/ TVSMARTS