Saturday, May 2, 2009,

5-6 p.m. ET, 3-4 p.m. PT

Ovation Channel

Arts and Science

Elementary, Junior and High School

“Film Genre: Sci-Fi”

Science fiction movies have tended to incorporate both fear of humans and fear of technology - especially radical technology that makes us question our very identity. This documentary examines these relationships with examples from Metropolis, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Alphaville, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, The Matrix, and Solaris.

Saturday, May 2, 2009,

8-9 p.m. ET, 5-6 p.m. PT

CNN

U.S. History

Junior and High School

“National Report Card”

This news special program presents an analysis of President Obama’s first 100 days in office.

Sunday, May 3, 2009,

10-11 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Science and World History

Junior and High School

“Life After People: Outbreak”

As depicted in this science documentary about the possible future of the planet, natural forces seize control if mankind’s continued anti-environmental behavior causes the human race to die off. Among the things that might happen are that domesticated animals break loose, feats of engineering will self-destruct, and a deadly virus will spread once again. Invasive vines will blanket the South, while the Sears Tower and Big Ben struggle to remain standing.  In an outbreak of nature what will endure? The program takes viewers to look at the future of Chicago , Atlanta and London --as well as other locations already devoid of man. This isn't the story of exactly how humans  might vanish--it's the story of what happens if we left the world behind. TV Rated PG-14

Monday, May 4, 2009,

8-9 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Science

Junior and High School

“Modern Marvels: Carbon”

It is the chemical basis of all known life and yet this simple element is also the foundation of modern technology. Carbon burns hotter, cuts deeper, insulates more thoroughly and absorbs more fully than any other material. See why carbon is the key both in heavy-duty industries, as well as in tools like the graphite pencil, the charcoal water filter, and the diamond saw blade. This documentary shows  how carbon fiber, a material stronger than steel and lighter than fiberglass, is made into the fuselage of a new Boeing 787. Discover why "activated charcoal" is the material of choice for absorbing everything from toxic heavy metals in your drinking water to funky odors in your shoes.

Monday, May 4, 2009,

 9-10:30 p.m. E/P 

PBS

U.S. History

Middle and High  School

“We Shall Remain: American Experience- Geronimo”

This dramatized documentary is an episode in a miniseries that  establishes Native history as an essential part of American history. Spanning 300 years it covers pivotal moments in U.S. history from the Native-American perspective. Benjamin Bratt narrates. Geronimo is one of the most complex historical figures of the American West   To angry whites, Geronimo was an archfiend, perpetrator of unspeakable savage cruelties. To his supporters, he remained the embodiment of proud resistance, the upholder of the old Chiricahua ways. To other Apaches, especially those who had come to see the white man's path as the only viable road, Geronimo was a stubborn troublemaker, unbalanced by his  unquenchable thirst for vengeance. Geronimo and his tiny band of Chiricahuas  became the last Native-American fighting force to capitulate formally to the government of the United States . TV-PG

Log on http://www.pbs.org/americanexperience

Tuesday, May 5 , 2009,

8-9 p.m. E/P

PBS

Science

Elementary, Middle and High  School

“NOVA :Cracking the Maya Code”

This documentary presents a definitive look back at how a handful of science pioneers deciphered the intricate system of hieroglyphs developed by the Maya. One of the greatest detective stories in all of archaeology, it has never before been told in depth on television. With glorious footage of Mayan temples and art, this documentary was many years in the making and culminates in the fascinating account of this once magnificent ancient civilization’s ingenious method of communication.   TV-G

Log on  http://www.pbs.org/nova

Wednesday, May 6, 2009,

 9-11 p.m. E/P

PBS

World History

Middle and High  School

“WWII Behind Closed Doors: Stalin, The Nazis And The West”

This is the initial episode of a documentary miniseries about secret meetings held throughout the duration of World War II where Joseph Stalin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill sparred and negotiated for the political and economic interests of their nations — making deals that often had more to do with expediency than right or wrong. New documents made briefly available after the fall of the Soviet Union reveal the real story of Stalin’s backroom dealings — first with the Nazis and then with Roosevelt and Churchill. Juxtaposing conventional documentary elements with dramatic re-creations, the series breaks through the myths of the Allied powers, illuminating the hidden motivations of “The Big Three” and creating a dynamic reappraisal of one of the seminal events in world history. This episode, entitled “Unlikely Friends” covers the period Summer 1939 to Autumn 1941. Before he was allied with Churchill and Roosevelt, Stalin offered help to Nazis. The program reveals a history of secret allegiances that Stalin wanted to hide. Before he was allied with Churchill and Roosevelt, Stalin offered help to Hitler much more help than the rest of the world knew. 

Next episodes air May 13 and the final airs May 20 in this timeslot. TV-14

Log on http://www.pbs.org/behindcloseddoors/

Thursday, May 7,  2009,

9-10 p.m.  E/P

National Geographic Channel

Science

Middle and High  School

“The Fastest”

In the vast expanse of space, nothing matters more than speed. This documentary explains that, when venturing out to the farthest reaches of our solar system or exploring the mysteries of time travel and wormholes, speed is the key.

Log on  http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/known-universe/3063/Overview

Friday, May 8, 2009,

 9-10 p.m. E/P

Discovery Channel

Science and World History

Middle and High  School

“Doing Da Vinci: Armored Tank”

Leonardo da Vinci was the original Renaissance Man — master of science, master of the arts, master of war. His revolutionary designs were the most advanced weapons of their day and were capable of unparalleled destruction. Yet no proof exists that they were ever constructed. In Doing DaVinci a team of expert builders will try to construct these unique inventions using only materials available in da Vinci's own time. It's a modern twist on the classics. In this program the team takes on the challenge of  constructing one of DaVinci's most futuristic designs: The Armored Tank. This machine, envisioned by DaVinci in the 15th Century could rival modern day inventions but will it work?  TV-PG

Log on http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/doing-davinci/doing-davinci.html

Saturday, May 9, 2009,

1-2:30 p.m. E/P

Sundance Channel

Arts and U.S History

Middle and High  School

“The Hip Hop Project”

This documentary tells the story of Chris "Kazi" Rolle and his Brooklyn-based organization that encourages disadvantaged kids to express themselves in verse rather than violence. A formerly homeless teenager abandoned by his mother in the Bahamas , Rolle now has become a charismatic catalyst on urban teens with a mission to "heal through hip-hop." In one of the film's most powerful moments, Rolle returns to the Bahamas , where he attempts to meet with his birth mother.  Rated TV-14

Log on http://www.pressurepointfilms.com

Saturday, May 9, 2009,

5-7 p.m. E/P

History Channel

World History

Junior and High School

“Art Of War”

“All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable of attacking, feign incapacity; when active in moving troops, feign inactivity. When near the enemy, make it seem that you are far away; when far away, make it seem that you are near.”. - Sun Tzu

This program is a documentary about Sun Tzu the ancient Chiese scholar of warfare. His book Art of War, written 2,400 years ago, is still the ultimate how-to book for winning. The program, shot like a graphic novel, weaves together several epic stories, including the story of Sun Tzu himself, and a war soon after his death where a city is saved using his tactics as China takes the first step toward unification. Also covered are several epic battles in history -- Roman battles, The Civil War, WWII, and present day -- that illustrate more of Sun Tzu's lessons, detailing how the people who understand his strategy are the most dangerous weapons of all. Although his ideals were originally created for battle, his lessons could be used by anyone who wants to win -- whether at sports, business, or life