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 Nutcracker” (Bravo, 6-8 p.m.; repeating 10 p.m.-midnight). This telecast of the Kirov Ballet Company production of the Tchaikovsky holiday favorite is followed by documentaries about the preparation of a ballet performance. VCR+9795978.

Also, “The Whole World Is Watching” (ABC, 9-11 p.m.). This is an ABC documentary about events of 1968, including the Vietnam War, riots during the Democratic National Convention and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Sen. Robert Kennedy. Diane Sawyer and Connie Chung host. VCR+95213.

Friday--”The Portrait of a Lady” (The Movie Channel, 6:30-9 p.m.). Nicole Kidman stars in this film based on the classic Henry James novel about an American girl’s European experiences in the 1800s. VCR+786779. Also, “Alaska’s Whales and Wildlife” (Discovery, 8-9 p.m.; repeating 10-11 p.m.). This is a documentary about arctic ecology hosted by naturalist Michael Ellis. VCR+699237.

Saturday--”The New Way Things Work” (C-SPAN 2 / BookTV, noon-1 p.m.). Author-illustrator David Macaulay presents material from the latest edition of his outstanding children’s book series on technology. Also, “From Here to Eternity” (Turner Classic Movies, 7:30-9:30 p.m.). This is an Oscar-winning movie adaptation of James Jones’ novel about U. S. military life in Hawaii, climaxing with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. VCR+786879.

Sunday--”The Tempest” (NBC, 9-11 p.m.). This new adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, with the setting moved to Mississippi during the Civil War, provides stimulus for students to read both the original play and further material on the Civil War. Peter Fonda and Harold Perrineau Jr. star.

Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, California State University Office of the Chancellor. Columns available at www.calendarlive.com/HOME/CALENDARLIVE/TVENT/TVSMARTS.