Saturday, February 17
10-11 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Subjects: American History

High School

"Save Our History: The Search for George Washington"

President's Day, this Monday February 19, celebrates the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln (February 12 and 22, respectively). Washington may be the most iconic figure in American history - as the nation's first president, George Washington is considered by many to be the "father" of the United States. But in many ways, Washington remains shrouded in myth, his actual life often overshadowed by distorted images and tales. This documentary reports on a contemporary effort to recover a more authentic view of our foremost statesman, following a team of historians, anthropologists, scientists, artists and craftsmen assembled from four continents to accomplish one goal, to re-create an exact image of this legendary founding father and discover Washington's true identity and create an accurate depiction of what he looked like at different stages of his life. In the fall of 2006, a new museum and visitors' center opened in Mount Vernon, highlighting an updated perspective on his life and work. Taking center stage at the museum are three life-sized figures of Washington: the 57-year-old taking the oath of office as president, the 45-year-old commanding general and the 19-year-old surveyor. This effort marks the first serious attempt to accurately depict Washington's likeness.

Site: http://www.history.com/minisites/washington

Sunday, February 18
7-8 p.m. E/P

CBS

Subjects: World History and Science

Middle and High School

"60 Minutes"

This newsmagazine has reports on from Kurdistan, a peaceful swath of Iraq where Americans are liked, no bombs go off and the Kurdish people yearn to be their own separate country. Also covered is autism - with no known cause or cure for it yet, researchers are trying to detect the earliest signs of the disorder so they can begin treatment earlier, giving parents some hope against a condition the government now says affects about one in every 150 children

Sunday, February 18
8-9 p.m. E/P

CNN

Subjects: American History

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Words That Changed A Nation"

In observance of Black History Month, this documentary offers viewers rare access to the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection. CNN's Soledad O'Brien examines the personal determination and private courage and concerns of the preacher and civil rights.

Site: http://www.thekingcenter.org

Monday, February 19
9-10 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: American History and Technology

Elementary, Middle and High School

"American Experience: New York Underground"

This documentary tells the story of an unprecedented, dangerous, but ultimately triumphant project -- the longest, most sophisticated electric subway in the world. Ever since its grand opening in 1904, New York City's subway has remained the largest subway system in the world, with more than 700 miles of track and a billion passengers per year. This feat of modern engineering started as the brainchild of Alfred Beach, who built an experimental subway in 1868 to respond to New York's growing population and incredibly crowded streets. Local politicians who had a monetary interest in the current transportation system halted his progress and the tunnel was closed. The city continued overcrowding the streets until 1888, when a major blizzard shut down the city and Mayor Hewitt proposed building the system that transformed New York forever. Backed by a financier and an engineer, work began on the subway. This program chronicles the challenges faced by the engineer who designed the subway between a maze of buildings and through a river; by the miners and immigrants who risked their lives to build the tracks and tunnels; and by the city's residents, who endured years of blasting and construction. TV-PG

Site: http://www.pbs.org/amex/technology/nyunderground

Tuesday, February 20
10-11 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: American History and Arts

High School

"Independent Lens Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes"

This documentary for older students examines musical portraits of sexism, masculinity and homophobia in hip-hop songs. The film includes interviews with hip-hop artists Mos Def and Busta Rhymes and takes an in-depth look at machismo in rap music and hip-hop culture -- where creative genius, poetic beauty and mad beats collide with misogyny, violence and homophobia.

Site: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/hiphop

Wednesday, February 21
9-10:30 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: American and World

High School

"The Marines"

This documentary examines the unique warrior culture of the United States Marine Corps, focusing on their training and considers what it takes to become and to be a Marine. The program also examines the strong bonds between Marines and their devotion to the corps, and explores some of the key moments in Marine Corps history. With significant access to Marine Corps training facilities, including boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, and officer candidate school at Quantico, Virginia, Twentynine Palms, California, training facility and the Marine Corps Martial Arts program, the documentary reveals critical aspects of Marine development. Marine Corps history is woven throughout the program, which includes an interview with a surviving member of the Mainer Raiders of World War II. The documentary also profiles the new Marine Corps Museum in Quantico. TV-PG.

Thursday, February 22
8-9 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: American History

High School

"Moyers on America Capitol Crimes"

This documentary takes a look at the Jack Abramoff scandal, detailing how the lobbyist rose to power in Washington, D.C.; and the misdeeds that eventually led him to plead guilty to corruption charges. Following the documentary, host Bill Moyers leads a discussion of the scandal.

Site: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/moyersonamerica/index.html

Friday, February 23
7-8 p.m. ET, 4-5 PT

National Geographic Channel

Subjects: Science

Middle and High School

"Rat Genius"

Rats have been vilified and associated with disease, but why have they been so successful in outsmarting our best efforts to combat them? This documentary looks at these clever creatures to reveal their supreme agility, remarkable adaptability, and shockingly witty minds. In Rat Genius, see how scientists are trying to put their intelligence to use in detecting landmines in Africa and sniffing out disease in humans.

Friday, February 23
7-8 p.m. E/P

Histiry Channel

Subjects: American and World

Middle and High School

"A Distant Shore: African Americans of D-Day"

Airing in observance of Black History Month, this documentary is about the 1.2 million African Americans who served in World War II in some capacity, and although largely forgotten by history. Nearly 2,000 African Americans were among the troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy. For the first time ever, seven of these forgotten heroes tell their stories. Rating: TVPG L.