Wednesday, January 17
8-9 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: Science

Elementary, Middle and High School

"22nd Century"

Would you like to know what the world is going to be like 30 years from now? Will human life spans increase to 250 years or more? Will your personal computer become smarter than you? Will machines shrink so small they can make repairs inside a human cell? This is the initial episode in a documentary series about these changes ??? expected within our lifetimes ??? made possible by scientific and technological research being conducted in laboratories across the globe today. Each episode will be driven by three characters viewing these scientific advances from a different perspective. One will be an actor portraying Aldous Huxley, the late author of Brave New World, who worried about the dehumanizing consequences of new technology. The second will be an impartial observer from the present, an everyday person who, like viewers, is affected by the changes taking place. The third will be a character from the future, who presents an optimistic view of all the possibilities these technologies offer. In this pilot episode learn about the intriguing theory that proposes that in the future our brains will be wired up so that we can communicate with the world effortlessly and instantly.

Site: http://www.pbs.org/22ndcentury

Wednesday, January 17
9-11 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: World History and Geography

Middle and High School

"China From The Inside"

This is a broadcast of the concluding two episodes of a documentary series that explores China through Chinese eyes to see how their history has shaped them - and where their present is taking them. In "Shifting Nature", China's environment is in trouble, but solutions often seem as harsh as the problems. A third of the world uses water from China's rivers, but rapid industrialization and climate change have led to bad air, polluted rivers and dire water shortages. One "solution" that has received considerable media attention in the West is the channeling of water in the biggest hydraulic project in world history. While it has benefited nearly half-a-million people, relocation from dam areas is causing mammoth social upheaval. In "Freedom and Justice", religious worship in China is problematic for Tibetan Buddhists, Catholics separated from Vatican influence, the 40 million adherents of China's unofficial churches and the Falun Gong. Civic problems include forced evictions, government cover-up of AIDS, corruption and land grabbing. Filmed in Tibetan temples, newspaper offices and a labor camp, this final episode asks: What are the limits of freedom - and the threats to stability. TV Rated PG

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

Thursday, January 18
7:30-10 p.m. E/P

HBO

Subjects: American History

Middle and High School

"The New World"

This Oscar-nominated movie is based on the historical tale of Jamestown colonists and the Native American princess Pocahontas. Colin Farrell stars as Capt. John Smith who, upon arrival at Jamestown in 1607, is assigned to negotiate trade with the local tribe. His entourage is murdered, but Smith's life is spared by the Chief's daughter. But as she and John Smith begin to fall in love, tensions rise between the Powhatan and English camps forcing both to make difficult choices. Written and directed by Terrence Malick. Movie Rated PG-13 (AC,V) Available on DVD

Log on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402399

Friday, January 19
6-7 p.m. E/P

Discovery Times Channel

Subjects: American History

Middle and High School

"Real Gangs of New York"

This documentary shows how the movie "Gangs of New York" used Herbert Asbury???s book to capture the nitty-gritty, the hardship, the corrupt politics and brutal gang wars of early 19th-century New York. TV Rated - G

Friday, January 19
9-10 p.m. E/P

National Geographic Channel

Subjects: Science

Middle and High School

"In the Womb: Animals"

Since mammals first evolved about two hundred million years ago, they have spread across the globe and conquered every part of the planet. Yet, perhaps the most dangerous and difficult journey that any mammal ever undertakes is the one it takes inside its mother's womb. This documentary follows this hazardous journey with three different mammals: the elephant, the dog and the dolphin. State of the art visual effects give us never-before-seen pictures from inside the mammalian womb.

Log on http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/inthewomb

Friday, January 19
9-10 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: Arts and World History

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Cezanne In Provence"

This high-definition television documentary explores the connection between post-impressionist master Paul Cezanne - credited by many as the father of modern art - and his native Provence, illuminating how the region and its history fostered the painter's genius. The program was inspired by the major international exhibition of the same name at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, in winter/spring of 2006. TV-PG

Saturday, January 20
8-9 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Subjects: Science and Technology

Middle and High School

"Modern Marvels: Balls"

From professional sports to the playground, balls have been a way of life for generations. This documentary explores the research, development, technology and performance of balls as they spin through our sporting lives, bouncing evenly, spiraling tightly, and careening off our feet, bats, racquets and clubs. It tours the Wilson Football Factory and the Rawling's Costa Rica Baseball Factory and visits the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. It explains the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame known as juego de pelota wherein a loser's skull might be used as the core around which a new rubber ball would be made. TVPG