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--”True Life: Warning Signs” (MTV, 3-3:30 p.m. repeats Sunday 8-8:30 a.m.) An MTV special produced with the American Psychological Assn. on helping teenagers cope with anger and violence.

“The Art of Science” (KCET, 8-9 p.m.) Documentary that explains how technology is used to restore ancient artworks. VCR+20455.

* Friday--”Life Portraits: Andrew Jackson” (C-SPAN, 5-9 p.m.) Reprise of the week’s special programming devoted to Jackson’s home, the Hermitage, and his legacy. Also, “100 Years of Great Women” (KABC, 9:30-11 p.m.) Barbara Walters hosts this special about influential women of the century, including the suffragists. Also, “DWP Science Bowl” (KLCS, 11:30-midnight) Bill Nye hosts report on the contestants in a recent L.A. student science bowl who are competing in the National Science Bowl in Washington this weekend.

* Saturday--”Salt of the Earth” (TCM 5-6:30 p.m.) Classic movie on Latino miners’ strike in Silver City, N.M., in 1950, emphasizing women’s activities. Written by Oscar winner Michael Wilson. Available on video and incorporated into an exceptional educational CD-ROM. Also, “Passage to India” (TCM, 5-8 p.m.) Oscar-winning movie version of E.M. Forster’s novel about the clash of Eastern and Western cultures. Available on video.

* Sunday--”Chicano! History of the Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement” and “Fight in the Fields: Cesar Chavez and the Farmworker’s Struggle” (KCET, noon-6 p.m.) All four episodes of an award-winning history series will be followed by a documentary about the 1964 Delano strike that brought Chavez to national prominence. Also, “Noah’s Ark” (KNBC, Part I airs 9-11 p.m., Part II Monday 9-11 p.m.) Movie version of events in the Bible includes Lot’s flight from Sodom and Gomorrah and Noah’s survival of the flood. Jon Voight, Mary Steenburgen, F. Murray Abraham and Carol Kane star. Also, “CNN Perspectives: Celebrate the Century” (CNN 9-10 p.m.) Among the first topics covered in this new 10-week series of historical specials are the struggle by women to be allowed to vote and the escalation of a war between Serbia and its neighbors into a world war.

Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate director for teacher education, Cal State University. Columns available at http://ukobiw.net/tvsmarts.