Wednesday, Jan. 2
9-11 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: US History

Middle and High School

"Andrew Jackson: Good, Evil and the Presidency"

This biographical documentary about America's seventh president explores whether Americans should celebrate Jackson or apologize for him. Viewers discover that Jackson fought in the Revolutionary War when he was 13 years old and that he used the skills learned in battle to kill a man over a gambling debt; that Jackson led the American army to the most surprising victory in its history in the Battle of New Orleans, but that he also launched an unauthorized invasion of Florida; that Jackson was the first great champion of the common white man and owned more than a hundred black Americans; that Jackson dramatically expanded the United States and did so by brutally wresting vast regions of the south from Native Americans; that Jackson, in one of the boldest political strokes in history, founded the Democratic Party, yet was viewed by his enemies as an American Napoleon. The film concludes with the words of Jackson's first biographer, James Parton: "Andrew Jackson was a patriot, and a traitor. He was the greatest of generals, and wholly ignorant of the art of war. He was the most candid of men, and capable of the profoundest dissimulation. He was a democratic autocrat, an urbane savage, an atrocious saint." Martin Sheen narrates.

Log on http://www.pbs.org/previews/andrewjackson

Thursday, Jan. 3
7-8 p.m. E/P

National Geographic Channel

Subjects: Science and Geography

Middle and High School

"Salt Flat Speedway 100 Greatest Discoveries - Biology"

This documentary follows Andy Green, "the fastest man in the world," as he tries to break the record for fastest diesel car ever made during Bonneville's Speed Week on Utah's famous Salt Flats. Also, 17-year-old Nadine Endacott attempts to be the youngest women in Bonneville's 200 mph club. TV-G

Thursday, Jan. 3
7-8 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Subjects: Science

Middle and High School

"Modern Marvels: Heavy Metals"

They are elements that occupy a select portion of the periodic table and are so essential to America's economic and military might that they are stored in the National Defense Stockpile in case of all-out war. This documentary pays a visit there. Some of the vital heavy metals that we survey include copper, uranium, lead, zinc, and nickel. Also shown are superalloys--consisting of steel combined with chromium, cobalt, and dozens of other heavy metals--that resist corrosion and perform increasingly elaborate functions. Rating TV PG

Thursday, Jan. 3
9-10 p.m. E/P

Discovery Science Channel

Subjects: Science

Middle and High School

"Human Version 2.0"

This documentary tells the story of how biology and technology will combine to create a new kind of human; a human version 2.0

Friday, Jan. 4
7-8 p.m. E/P

National Geographic Channel

Subjects: Science

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Science Of Winter"

Is it true that no two snowflakes are alike? What packs more punch a hurricane or a blizzard? And when the mercury drops, what really happens to mosquitoes? This documentary explores the planets most extreme season to explain the mysteries, dispel the misconceptions and reveal the fascinating facts that makes winter unlike any of the other seasons.

Saturday, Jan. 5
9-10 p.m. E/P

Animal Planet Channel

Subjects: Science and Geography

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Avalanche Dogs"

This is the initial episode of a documentary series which features the canine rescue team at the premier North American Resort of Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia. The series revolves around the team of up to eight real life search and rescue workers and their rescue dogs that are often the last lifeline for extreme athletes that are lost, injured or buried in the avalanches of the backcountry. This episode features Whistler Mountain avalanche dog handler Richard Wyne and his dog Nora. We follow Rich and Nora as they train for rescues, by long-lining from a helicopter, the fastest way to the victims in an avalanche. And, we go to Utah for a first hand account of rescue dogs in action including Avalanche dog handler Scott Aitken and his dog Decker. Scott works for the Ministry of Highways and is responsible for avalanche control along the Highway where giant slides can happen. We follow Scott and Decker from his snowmobile to his touring skis into the backcountry where Scott checks on the snow conditions above the highway and completes a snow profile telling him where dangers lie.