Wednesday, Dec. 12
8-9 p.m. E/P

Discovery Channel

Subjects: Science and Technology

Middle and High School

"Rise Of The Videogame: Level Four"

In this episode of a documentary miniseries about the history of computer games "God Games" begin simulating entire worlds and allow players to experiment with sometimes troubling cause and effect. Artificial intelligence creates lifelike characters and opens up opportunities for new learning tools and for artistic expression. Rated TV-14 V (for computer-generated depictions of violence)

Wednesday, Dec. 12
8-10 p.m. E/P ? check local listings

History Channel

Subjects: US History

Middle and High School

"1968 With Tom Brokaw"

In 1968, the fury and violence of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago propelled us toward a tipping point in politics. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated, America suffered its bloodiest year in Vietnam and drugs seduced us. Yet idealism -- and hope -- flourished. This documentary explores the significance of that turbulent year and the way it continues to affect the American landscape. Tom Brokaw offers his perspective on the era and shares the rich personal odysseys of some of the people who lived through that chaotic time, along with the stories of younger people now experiencing its aftershocks. Includes archival footage and interviews with former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, who was talking to King when he was assassinated and rushed to his side to try to staunch the wound; Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson, who wrestled RFKs assassin to the ground; and Arlo Guthrie, best known for his song "Alice's Restaurant.

Thursday, Dec. 13
9-10 p.m. E/P

Discovery Science Channel

Subjects: Science

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Eco-Tech: Extreme Weather"

In this documentary you will tag along with researchers around the globe who are trying to predict the future of earth's weather, and you will meet engineers and technological wizards who are coming up with ingenious ways to fight the disasters we could face.

Friday, Dec. 14
10-11 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: World History and Geography

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Walking The Bible: Go Forth: From Creation to Abraham"

This documentary begins in the holy city of Jerusalem, where best-selling author Bruce Feiler sets out on his epic, 10,000-mile odyssey to explore the greatest stories ever told - in the settings where they occurred. It's a daunting prospect in this strife-torn region of the world, where archaeological evidence is hard to find. He teams up with experienced archaeologist and co-adventurer Avner Goren. By foot, jeep, rowboat and train, Feiler and Goren set out to experience the Bible in its own world. Their quest takes them first to the birthplace of civilization, the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates - the Garden of Eden. Feiler and Goren climb Mt. Ararat in search of Noah's ark and travel to the ancient town where some believe Abraham was born, then to the ancient ruins of Harran, where the Bible says God tells Abraham to "go forth" to the Promised Land. Following Abraham's path back to Jerusalem, Feiler and Goren stop to explore the sulfurous land by the Dead Sea, with its salt pillars called "Lot's wife." Could this be dramatic evidence of Sodom and Gomorrah? The episode ends at Jerusalem's sacred Temple Mount, where it's believed Abraham brought his son Isaac and prepared to follow God's ultimate test of faith. Feiler realizes that his uncharted spiritual landscape now beckons as strongly as his geographic adventure.

Saturday, Dec. 15
8-10 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Subjects: World History and Geography

Middle and High School

"The Plague"

It began like the common cold. Then fever, baseball-sized black swellings on the neck, coughing of blood. Few lived more than two days. The year--1347. It was history's worst biological disaster and almost half of Europe's population died within three years. This documentary visits the plague ships' rat-infested holds and witnesses the terror that swept through the towns, and walk with the religious flagellants. It follows a princess as she travels into the center of the plague, a doctor who struggles to understand what is happening, and a Jewish merchant caught up in violent attacks. You will hear the actual words of the victims, taken from diaries and journals. From the Pope's palace to the humble huts of medieval peasants, watch as people live and die in the unforgiving grip of fear and death, and wonder how we would act if such a terrible event happened today.