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 Negro Soldier” (AMC, 2:45-3:30 p.m.), a 1944 documentary made for showing to racially segregated U.S. troops and directed by Frank Capra, then an Army colonel. VCR+63207012. Also, “Home of the Brave” (AMC 3:30-5 p.m.), a 1949 movie of an Arthur Laurents play about a black soldier suffering abuse from fellow GIs during World War II. James Edwards and Lloyd Bridges star. VCR+166383. Also, “Annie Leibovitz” (Bravo, 7-8 p.m.), a documentary on the life and work of the distinctive photo-portraitist. VCR+155925.

* Friday-- “Modern Marvels” (HIST, 7-8 p.m. repeating 11 p.m.), a documentary about the engineering challenges overcome by the builders of the Panama Canal. VCR+62451.

* Saturday--”Free the Children: A Young Man’s Personal Crusade Against Child Labor” (C-Span2/BookTV, noon-1 p.m.). Interview with Craig Kielburger, the 16-year-old founder of the Free the Children Foundation, which raises awareness of labor conditions in South Asia. He will answer questions during an Internet chat-room session Sunday at 5 p.m. Log on www.booktv.org. Also, “The Underground Railroad” (HIST, 5-7 p.m. repeating 9-11 p.m.), a “Save Our History Special” documentary about the escape routes used by slaves prior to the Civil War and the whites and blacks, including Harriet Tubman, who aided them. Emphasis is on the need to preserve the key historical landmarks involved. Alfre Woodard hosts. VCR+86730

* Sunday--”Mary Baker Eddy” (C-Span2/BookTV, 9-10 a.m., repeating at 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.) The founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist is the topic of an interview with William Gill, author of the latest biography on her. Also, “The Passing Glory” (TNT 8-10 p.m.), a movie about a controversial basketball game between an undefeated black team and undefeated white team in segregation-era Louisiana. It was written by Harold Sylvester, a participant in the game, and produced by Quincy Jones and Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Also, “A Woman Called Moses” (TBS, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.), an adaptation of the Marcie Heidish novel about Harriet Tubman, starring Cicely Tyson, that originally aired as an NBC miniseries. Available on video.

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.