TV tips

NEA Today, Feb 1999

Stage to Screen

Turner Classic Movies, February 1-Il, TCM, 6 a.m. ET. This re-airing of TCM BY THE BOOK's "Stage to Screen" series offers literature and English teachers a second opportunity to tape and use pre-selected films based on classic stage plays. Films include The Philadelphia Story and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. To enroll and receive free curriculum materials, call 800/3446219 or check the Web at http://tcm.turner.com/by the_book/.

I'll Make Me a World

PBS, Monday-Wednesday, February I3, 9-11 p.m. ET check local listings. Starting with the dawn of the 20th century, this six-hour documentary highlights African-American creative achievement on the American cultural stage. The series profiles musicians, writers, actors, dancers, and others whose talents have shaped American culture. For lesson plans and classroom activities for grades 4-12, go to www.blackside.com.

John Henry

Disney Channel, Tuesday, February 2, 7-7:30 p.m. ET Narrated by Denzel Washington, this half-hour animated special celebrates Black History Month with a tale about an African-American hero who journeys to the wilderness where he finds men of all colors working together to build a great railroad.

Also airing later this month (check local listings): Whoopi Goldberg narrates "Koi and the Kola Nuts," an animated African folktale about a young boy who craves the admiration of his village.

The '60s

NBC, SundayMonday, February 7-8, 9-11 pan. ET check local listings. Blending

history, fiction, and music, this four-hour program tells the story of two American families-one white and one Black-who are tom apart by the forces of the civil rights movement, the student revolution, and the Vietnam War.

The Underground Railroad

The History Channel, Saturday, February 20, 8-10 p.m. ET This documentary looks at the alliance between Blacks and whites that provided freedom for slaves. Neither underground nor a railroad, this historical alliance helped more than 75,000 slaves escape on foot, in coffins and crates, and as stowaways. For a free teacher's manual, visit The History Channel on the Web at www.historychannel.com.

Passing Glory

Sunday TNT February 21, 8-10 p.m. ET

Based on a true story and set in segregation-era Louisiana, this film tells the story of an unorthodox AfricanAmerican priest who coaches an allBlack high school basketball team. When he organizes a game between his undefeated team and a rival undefeated white team, the competition results in mutual respect that crosses racial boundaries. For free curriculum materials, call 800/344-6219 or visit http://leaming.turner com.

Life's Little Questions

PBS, Wednesday, February 24, 8-9 p.mn ET, check local listings. In this program from the "Scientific American Frontiers" series, host Alan Alda fields the answers to some of life's simplest questions, such as: Why are peppers hot? Is there a cure for jet lag? How do sand castles stand up? For free teaching guides for grades 5-12, call 800/315-5010 or go to the Web at www.pbs.org/saf/.

Alice in Wonderland

NBC, Sunday, February 28, 8-1 p.m. ET. Lewis Carroll's colorful tale of a young girl's adventures in a land where forward is backward, up is down, and anything imaginable is possible. High school English teachers can contact their local NBC affiliate for a free study guide.

The Great Museums

Knowledge TV Thursdays, 10-10:30 a.m.. ET. This commercial-free series features museums, large and small, across the country. Each episode highlights the exhibits, archival materials, and staff of a museum. Past museums featured include the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and the Museum of American Folk Art. For classroom materials, call 800/727-5663, ext. 8702, or go to www.knowledgetv.com.

The Artists' Specials: Edgar Degas

HBO and HBO Family, February, check local listings. Using imaginative storytelling and visual imagery, this new series is designed to expose young viewers to the world of art. Includes a fictional encounter between the artist and a young person influenced by his or her work. Upcoming specials will feature Mary Cassatt, Michelangelo, Claude Monet, and Rembrandt.

Zoboomatoo

PBS, Monday-Friday, check local listings. This new half-hour wildlife series from brothers Martin and Chris Kratt (from Kratts' Creatures) uses music, songs, and sounds from around the world to teach two- to six-year-old children how to respect and care for animals. The action takes place at the Animal Junction outpost and features Zoboo, a friendly lemur represented by both a real animal and a puppet. For materials and activities, check the Web at www.pbs.org/zoboo.

KIDSNET, a national resource for children's media in Washington, D.C., provides these listings. For additional listings and information, check the KIDSNET Web site at www.kidsnet. org.