Wednesday, Nov. 28
8-10 p.m. E/P

HBO

Subjects: World History

High School

"The Nativity Story"

The birth of Jesus Christ and the arduous journey of his parents Mary and Joseph are chronicled in this Biblical movie Inspired by the Gospel of Matthew, it follows the story of the teenage Mary, her immaculate conception, the rough road that followed for her and her betrothed husband Joseph as they headed for Bethlehem, and the ever-present threat of King Herod--whose belief in the prophecy of a coming savior prompted his wrath. Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass, Shaun Toub, Alexander Siddig, with Ciaran Hinds, and Shohreh Aghdashloo. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke; written by Mike Rich. TV-PG (mild violence)

Thursday, Nov. 29
10-11 p.m. E/P ? check local listings

PBS

Subjects: Science and World History

Middle and High School

"Leonardo's Dream Machines"

This is the concluding episode of a documentary miniseries in which the world's leading experts attempt for the first time to build some of Leonardo da Vinci's dream machines -- to his exact specification and scale -- 500 years after he first committed his ideas to paper. Were Leonardo's ideas the flights of fancy of a gifted artist or revolutionary designs hundreds of years ahead of their time?

Friday, Nov. 30
7-8 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Subjects: Science and World History

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Modern Marvels - Camouflage"

From ancient hunters' camouflage to computer-generated digital pattern uniforms, this documentary uncovers the past, present, and future of deception through disguise. During an ambush exercise by US Marines, we learn that camouflage came from natural coloration and patterns of flora and fauna. The art of military camouflage took off in WWI with the use of the airplane, when the French learnt to hide from "eyes in the sky". It's a world of shadows and smoke, where even cities disappear through disguise.

Saturday, Dec. 1
12:30-1:45 p.m. E/P

HBO

Subjects: Arts

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Rehearsing A Dream"

Nominated for a 2006 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject, this film follows 160 of the country's most gifted 17 year-olds as they share a week of dreams in Miami learning from such renowned artists as Jacques d'Amboise, Michael Tilson Thomas and Vanessa Williams . . . and from each other. In addition to getting hands-on direction from some of the leading figures in the performing arts, the group members forge bonds with other young people who have similar talents, ambitions and passion for the arts. TV-G