Wednesday, Jan. 11
7-8 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Subjects: Geography and Science

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Modern Marvels: Gold Mines"

Around the world and across the ages, gold stands as a symbol of power, wealth, and love. The quest for the yellow metal took men across oceans, into the depths of the Alaskan winter, and miles beneath South African earth. This Documentary tells the story of the hunters of the precious metal and their methods for extracting it. TVPG

Thursday, January 12
7:30-8 p.m. E/P

HBO

Subjects: American History

Middle and High School

"New World: HBO First Look"

This documentary is a behind-the-scenes glance at acclaimed director Terrence Malick's historical movie drama about the arrival of European explorers to the New World. When it comes to a theatre near you this month it will run almost three hours in duration, so it may not be appropriate for pre-teen viewers.

For more information about the movie log on: http://www.thenewworldmovie.com

Friday, January 13
9-11 p.m. E/P

Discovery Channel

Subjects: Ancient

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Egypt Untold: Secrets of the Rosetta Stone"

Napoleon's invasion of Egypt in 1798 started Europe thinking again about the ancient civilization of Egypt - which had been shrouded in mystery for centuries. A French scientist deciphered inscriptions on a stone discovered there ??? engraved in three kids of writing, one of which was still a "known" language ??? thus making possible the understanding many secrets of ancient Egypt. TVPG.

Log on http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/ixbin/goto?id=OBJ67

Saturday, January 14
10-11 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: American History

Middle and High School

"Independent Lens: Race Is the Place"

This documentary presents a provocative look at racism in America, featuring insightful commentary -- both angry and humorous -- from artists, poets, rappers and comedians.

Sunday, January 15
9:30-10:30 p.m. E/P

The Weather Channel

Subjects: Science

Middle and High School

"It Could Happen Tomorrow: NYC Hurricane"

This is the initial episode of a series on weather "what-ifs." Could an historical, catastrophic weather event occur in or near the same place years later? The series will showcase science-based predictions of natural disasters, This premiere, "NYC Hurricane," will examine the possible recurrence of the hurricane that hit Long Island, NY on September 21, 1938. The Category Three storm, which left 700 people dead and 63,000 homeless, would have a much more devastating impact on the population of that area if it hit tomorrow. The Weather Channel has compiled enough material to provide a full season of scientific predictions for possible weather disasters ??? in San Francisco, Dallas and other cities.

Log on http://www.whatifweather.com/slideshow.html

Monday, January 16
9-11:30 p.m. E/P

The Weather Channel

Subjects: Science

Middle and High School

"NOVA: Deadly Ascent"

Alaska's Mount McKinley is the highest and coldest mountain in North America. Today it is known by its Native-American name, Denali, the high one. Every year more than 1,000 people attempt to climb to its summit. For many seasons in a row, McKinley has claimed more lives than any other peak. Some mountaineers die in accidents, but others, often in top physical condition, die from a mysterious disease that seems to strike at extreme altitudes. In this documentary a team of doctors, rescuers, world-class mountaineers, military special forces and an astronaut travel to the mountain to practice emergency medicine, save lives and, using themselves as subjects, try to solve the mystery of the deaths on Denali. TVPG

Log on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova

Tuesday, January 17
10-11 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Subjects: Science and History

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Modern Marvels: Edison Tech"

He was the father of the future . . . electric lights, power systems, motion pictures, recorded sound -- even the tattoo pen. Life as we know it would be inconceivable without the prodigious output of the Wizard of Menlo Park, Thomas Alva Edison. His intense focus on his work came with a hefty personal price, but his reward was a world forever changed by his genius. Years after his death, Edison's effect is seen, heard, and felt everywhere. This documentary follows current versions of his motion-picture camera to the tops of Earth's highest mountains, to the bottoms of its deepest oceans, and even into outer space. It tracks his innovations in recorded sound to CDs, iPods, sophisticated movie sound, and satellite radio. And it shows his world of electric light, powering the world and turning night into day. Along the way, it discovers a little Edison influence in corners of modern life less well-known and even look at his failures. From the Internet to the stock market to pay-per-view; the Wizard is everywhere. TVPG.

Wednesday, January 18
9-11 p.m. ET, 4-5 p.m. PT

PBS

Subjects: American History

Elementary, Middle and High School

"The War That Made America"

This documentary miniseries brings to life an important - but often misunderstood - period of American history, a period that set in motion forces that would culminate in the American Revolution. It tells the story of the French and Indian War (1754-1763). In the first episode, entitled "A Country Between / Unlikely Allies" -- George Washington is a pivotal figure in the start of the French and Indian War in 1754, a conflict that pits England's goals for empire in the New World against French interests. Caught in between are the Indian nations, whose leaders struggled to negotiate between these two European forces to protect their own people's interests. Washington becomes an aide to General Edward Braddock, sent from England to secure the strategic Forks of the Ohio. Braddock is defeated by French forces and their Indian allies, and succumbs to his battlefield wounds. Britain sends thousands of troops, setting the stage for the next phase of the war. Part 2 airs January 25. Rated TV-PG.

Wednesday, January 18
10-11 p.m. E/P

Discovery Health Channel

Subjects: Science

Middle and High School

"Rebuilt: The Human Body Shop"

This is the initial episode of a documentary series about prosthetics (artifical body parts) In introduces a company and its owners and staff who are all about care, enthusiasm and constant, insistent encouragement of patients. The three patients: Harry, Susan, and Roy learn the challenges of having a prosethic. Rated TV-PG

Series details at http://health.discovery.com/convergence/rebuilt/rebuilt.html