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--”Intimate Strangers: Unseen Life on Earth” (KCET 8-9 p.m.) Initial episode in a new four-part science series about microbes. “Part I--The Tree of Life” includes a report on a Jamaican scientist’s genetics research explaining the earliest evolution of living things. Nov. 18: “Part II--Keepers of the Biosphere” traces microbes’ role as recyclers. Nov. 25: “Part III--Dangerous Friends and Friendly Enemies” is about microbes’ effect on our well-being. Dec. 2: “Part IV--Creators of the Future” looks at microbes’ role in food production and environmental cleanup. Web site: www.microbeworld.org.

* Friday--”From Cradle to Grave” (ANML 8-9 p.m.) Documentary on bears and the effect seasonal changes have on their life cycles.

* Saturday--”Danton” (BRAV 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) This historically accurate movie looks at the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution and the enmity between rivals Danton and Robespierre. Gerard Depardieu stars.

* Sunday--”NBC Primetime” (KNBC 7-8 p.m.) This edition of NBC’s regular documentary series includes an account of Israeli efforts to deal with individuals who are buying one-way tickets to the Holy Land expecting to experience the Second Coming of Jesus Christ when the new millennium begins. Officials worry that some pilgrims may try to hasten the apocalypse with a suicidal terrorist attack. Keith Morrison reports.

* Monday--”Science at War” (HIST 3-4 p.m.) Initial episode in a five-part series on how science has transformed global warfare. Tonight: “Rocket Men,” about the people who develop ballistic missiles. Tuesday: “Laboratory of War,” about gas weapons. Wednesday: “Science at War: Enemy of Mankind,” on biological warfare. Thursday: “Echoes of War,” on radar and microwave technology. Friday: “Full Spectrum Dominance,” on new research in physics, chemistry and biology that makes nuclear arms obsolete.

* Tuesday--”Spanish Earth” (TCM 6-7 p.m.) Ernest Hemingway narrated and participated in the writing and production of this documentary on the Spanish Civil War, which preceded World War II.

* Wednesday--”Canyonlands: America’s Wild West” (KCET 8-9 p.m.) Episode in the “Living Edens” documentary series on natural history and geography. Tonight, the Colorado Plateau, a stark and spectacular 40,000-square-mile area containing the Grand Canyon and an array of unique mineral and animal phenomena. Sally Kellerman narrates.

Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, dean of the School of Education, College of St. Mary, Albany, N.Y. Columns at www.latimes.com/tvsmarts.