Sunday, Oct. 19
7-8:30 p.m. E/P

Sundance Channel

Subjects: US History

Middle and High School

"The Return Of The War Room"

Revealing and irreverent, Chris Hegedus and D A Pennebaker's 1993 Oscar-nominated documentary "The War Room", exposed the inner workings of presidential campaign politics like no film before. Sixteen years later, Hegedus and Pennebaker reconnect with many of the leading players in the earlier film - including James Carville, George Stephanopolous, Paul Begala and Dee Dee Myers - for a thought-provoking look at how the political and media landscapes have changed since the Clinton election. Rated TV-PG

Monday, Oct. 20
9-11 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: US History

Middle and High School

"AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: The Presidents - L.B.J."

This documentary offer an intimate look at the Presidency of Lyndon Baines Johnson. The story of his life is a version of the American dream: the poor boy from the backwaters of the Texas hill country who ascended to the very pinnacle of power - only to see his presidency undermined by the conflict in Vietnam, a war he supported and expanded but never understood. One of the most perplexing, astute and larger-than-life politicians in modern American history, LBJ set out to "out-Kennedy the Kennedys" by pushing through historic social legislation on a scale that rivaled FDR. Big, brash, intimidating and driven by an all-consuming ambition, Johnson dominated people and institutions. Part 1 of 2. The Second part airs in this timeslot October 27. TV-PG, L (for strong language)

For more information log on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex

Monday, Oct. 20
9-10:30 p.m. E/P

Sundance Channel

Subjects: US History

Elementary, Middle and High School

"The Third Monday In October"

This documentary, directed by Vanessa Roth, focuses on presidential politics circa fall 2004. This isn't Kerry vs. Bush, but four separate battles for middle-school student council president in California, Georgia and Texas. As issues and tactics veer far from Iraq and push polling, the 13-year-old candidates concentrate on cafeteria selection, the condition of public bathrooms and personal appearances in superhero outfits. What emerges is a portrait of the imperfect democratic process. Rated TV-G

For further information log on http://www.thirdmondayinoctober.com

Tuesday, Oct. 21
8-9 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: Science and US History

Middle and High School

"NOVA: Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives"

Mark Oliver Everett, better known as E, is the lead singer of U.S. cult band the EELS. What most of his fans don't know is that Mark's father, Hugh Everett III, was one of America's top quantum physicists. In 1957, Hugh Everett came up with a revolutionary theory that predicted the existence of parallel universes. The idea quickly seeped into popular culture, but only recently has it been accepted by mainstream physicists. The film follows the wry and charismatic Mark, who had been estranged from his father, as he travels across America to learn about the father he never knew. It is only by entering the paradoxical world of quantum mechanics that Mark can hope to understand why he was such a stranger to his own father. TV-PG

For further information log on http://www.pbs.org/nova

Wednesday, Oct. 22
9-11 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: US History

Middle and High School

"INDEPENDENT LENS: Chicago 10"

This is an unusual documentary. It uses animation to portray historical events of the not-too distant past. Filmmaker Brett Morgen mixes the animation with archival footage to explore the buildup to and unraveling of the famous conspiracy trial of the seven young political radicals, known as Chicago Seven and three of their associates. Set to the pop-music of radical movements then and now, it portrays the struggle of a group of young Americans attempting to confront what they considered an oppressive and force-based government. Terrence Howard hosts this telecast. Rated TV-14, L (for strong language)

For further information log on http://www.pbs.org/independentlens

Thursday, Oct. 23
8-9 E/P

History Channel

Subjects: World History

Middle and High School

"Decoding The Past - Mayan Doomsday Prophecy"

The ancient Maya of Central America made a stunning prediction more than 2,000 years ago. The world is coming to an end on December 21, 2012! This historical documentary examines in detail how the Maya calculated this exact date. The ancient city of Chichen Itza, the hub of Maya civilization deep in the heart of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, may hold the truth about this prophecy. The Maya were legendary astronomers and timekeepers?their calendar is more accurate than our own. By tracking the stars and planets they assigned great meaning to astronomical phenomena and made extraordinary predictions based on them - many of which have come true. Could their doomsday prophecy be one of them? In insightful interviews archaeologists, astrologers, and historians speculate on the meaning of the 2012 prophecy. Their answers are as intriguing as the questions.

Thursday, Oct. 23
8:30-10 p.m. E/P (check local listings)

PBS

Subjects: Science and US History

Middle and High School

"The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?"

Actress Jane Seymour narrates this documentary about the current water crisis in America's Southwest states. It gives viewers an in-depth awareness and education about land use planning and the water needs of cities in the Southwest, and how climate change may impact water levels on vital sources such as Lake Powell, Hoover Dam's Lake Mead, the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta system, the Rio Grande and the Colorado River. From the White House to the House of Representatives, the film's producer Jim Thebaut interviews key leaders for an informed discussion about the evolving water crisis. Thebaut filmed at diverse locations including the Navajo and Hopi reservations, on Capitol Hill and in Las Vegas covering conservation, water reuse, desalination, unprecedented population growth and future water policies. Interviews with key members of Congress include Sens. Jon Kyl (Ariz.), Ken Salazar (Colo.), and Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman (N.M.), and U.S. Reps. Mary Bono (Palm Springs) and Jim Costa (Fresno). An interview with Dr. Gene Whitney, science advisor to President Bush, is also featured.

For further information log on http://www.runningdry.org/americansouthwest/america.html

Friday, Oct. 24
10-11 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: US History

Middle and High School

"Slavery and The Making of America: The Challenge of Freedom"

The final hour of this historical documentary miniseries about slavery follows the life of Robert Smalls, a South Carolina slave, as it takes viewers through the Civil War, Reconstruction and beyond. Morgan Freeman narrates.

For further information log on http://www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery

Saturday, Oct. 25
7-8 p.m. ET, 4-5 p.m. PT

Planet Green Channel

Subjects: Science

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Hollywood Green with Maria Menounos"

The topics in environmental news magazine program include: Jenny McCarthy speaks about her new book "Mother Warriors," her struggles on behalf of her son to make her home germ free and organic. Paper or Plastic: Eco-expert Johnny Appleseed unveils which is better for the planet and your pocket; the answer will surprise you. Greening Your Halloween: From the candy to the costumes, eco expert Sophie Uliano who has consulted with Julia Roberts, shows how to green your Halloween. Tree People, every week, Hollywood Green hires Tree People to plant a grove of trees in the name of a celeb eco-activist; this week Leonardo DiCaprio, Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, Miley Cyrus, Kyra Sedwick, Kate Hudson and others are highlighted. They receive Hollywood Green's highest honor and are able to go behind the scenes of how Tree People works.