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--”Crash Testing” (HIST 7-8 p.m., repeats 11 p.m.) Documentary on scientists who perform product tests, using chemical and engineering processes to determine safety and durability of everything from mattresses to tissue paper. Also, “Captive Heart: The James Mink Story” (ODYS 9-11 p.m.) Movie based on event prior to the Civil War when a man of African heritage in Canada arranged the marriage of his daughter to an American businessman--who sold her into slavery, sparking an international rescue effort. Louis Gossett Jr., Kate Nelligan, Rachel Crawford and Ruby Dee star.

* Friday--”Free a Man to Fight” (HIST 3-4 p.m.) This documentary, airing during Women’s History Week, looks at the half-million women recruited by the U.S. military during World War II, who served with such distinction that the Armed Forces became gender-integrated in 1948--and racially integrated the same year.

* Saturday--”This Old House” (KCET 7-8 p.m.) Special broadcast of the final two episodes of a seven-part series that followed step by step the architectural renovation of a classic 1907 California bungalow in Santa Barbara. For information on the entire series, rich in details about that period’s Arts & Crafts movement in California, visit https://www.pbs.org/thisoldhouse. Also, “War of the Worlds” (AMC 5:30-7 p.m.) Movie version of H.G. Wells’ story switches the locale to Los Angeles but sacrifices none of the century-old novel’s ability to frighten.

* Sunday--”Earth Matters” (CNN 11:30 a.m.-noon) This environmental news program interviews prominent activists who have distanced themselves from the Al Gore presidential campaign, although he “wrote the book” on the environment (“Earth in the Balance”). Also, “Saint Patrick, the Irish Legend” (FAM 7-9 p.m.) Movie about a 5th century saint born to wealth but abducted into slavery at 16, who eventually introduced Christianity to Ireland. Cast includes Patrick Bergin, Malcolm McDowell, Alan Bates and Susanah York. Also, “Raising the Mammoth’ (DISC 8-10 p.m.) Documentary describes what happened last year when a 20,000-year-old woolly mammoth was excavated from 15 feet of permafrost in Siberia. Log on to https://www.discovery.com.

* Monday--”The True Story of Robin Hood” (HIST 5-6 p.m.) Historians try to learn what lay behind 14th century English poet William Langland’s reference to “Robyn Hood,” thought to be a wronged nobleman-turned-vigilante. A new paperback “The Rymes of Robyn Hood: An Introduction to the English Outlaw,” edited by R.B. Dobson, contains 13 versions of the story from the medieval to the Victorian era. Also, Audra McDonald in Concert” (KCET 10-11 p.m.) London’s Covent Garden Opera House is the setting for this taped broadcast of a solo concert by the popular American operatic soprano and Broadway star. McDonald will be interviewed live during intermission.

* Tuesday--”The Black Stallion” (TCM 5-7 p.m.) Movie version of Walter Farley’s classic children’s novel about a boy and his horse profits considerably from Carroll Ballard’s direction and Caleb Deschanel’s cinematography.

* Wednesday--”Biography: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis” (A&E; 5-6 p.m.) A documentary being broadcast to commemorate Women’s History Week. Also, “Amazon Women” (HIST 5-6 p.m., repeats 9-10 p.m.) An investigation of Greek historian Herodotus’ account of a primitive tribe dominated by female warriors.

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Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in collaboration with Crystal J. Gips, dean of the School of Education, College of St. Rose, Albany, N.Y. Columns available at http://ukobiw.net./tvsmarts.