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--”Journey to the New World” (HBO, 7:30-8 p.m.) Fictional account of a 12-year-old girl coming to America on the Mayflower is one of the HBO specials based on Scholastic Books’ “Dear America” history series for young readers. “Wayfinders: A Pacific Odyssey” (KCET, 10-11 p.m.) Documentary on modern Polynesians who use their ancestors’ navigational practices based on the sun, moon, stars and ocean swells for a 2,000-mile canoe voyage from the Marquesas Islands to Hawaii.

* Friday--”1999 Genesis Awards” (ANML, 5-6:30 p.m. repeating 8-9:30 p.m.) This program surveys recent high-quality journalistic and artistic presentations of animal issues.

* Saturday--”The History Of US” (C-SPAN2, noon-1 p.m., repeating Sunday, 7-8 p.m.) On this interview program, part of C-SPAN2’s “Book TV” series, Joyce Hakim discusses her popular series of American history books for young readers that is being used in U.S. classrooms. “Avalanche: The White Death” (KNBC, 8-9 p.m.) Science documentary about avalanches seen from scientists’ and survivors’ viewpoints.

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