Monday, Dec. 29
8-9 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Subjects: Science and Geography

Elementary, Middle and High School

"Modern Marvels - Diamond Mines"

Ever wonder where those diamonds come from that you see advertised all over the place? Half a mile below the earth's surface, men mine for rough diamonds - a pure carbon substance. Brilliant when cut and polished, they are marketed as the most precious gem in the world. From the earliest mines of the 4th century BC to today's technological wonders in South Africa, this documentary explores the history and technology of the diamond mine.

Monday, Dec. 29
9 p.m. - midnight E/P

PBS

Subjects: Arts and US History

Middle and High School

"Great Performances at the Met: Doctor Atomic"

John Adams' contemporary masterpiece explores a momentous episode in modern history: the creation of the atomic bomb. Movie director Penny Woolcock makes her Met debut with this production. Baritone Gerald Finley plays J. Robert Oppenheimer, the title character, in this gripping adaptation of a story that changed the course of world history. Alan Gilbert conducts the opera's Met premiere.

Log on http://www.metoperafamily.org/metopera/news/dr_atomic/index.aspx

Tuesday, Dec. 30
8-9 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: Science

Elementary, Middle and High School

"NOVA: Is There Life on Mars?"

More than four years after they landed on Mars, NASA's twin robot explorers, Spirit and Opportunity, have lasted 16 times longer and driven 20 times farther than expected. Along the way, they've endured the worst Martian storm ever recorded and survived near-fatal software glitches, a broken wheel and hair-raising climbs and descents on steep slopes. Since May 25, 2008, they've had new company on the Red Planet: NASA's Phoenix probe, which dramatically "tasted" water ice on the planet in July. This documentary showcases the latest scientific results from the rovers and Phoenix, which are poised to reveal provocative new clues in the tantalizing search for water and life on the Red Planet.

Log on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/mars

Wednesday, Dec. 31
8-10 p.m. E/P

PBS

Subjects: Arts

Elementary, Middle and High School

"LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER: New York Philharmonic's New Year's Eve"

The New York Philharmonic rings in 2009 with acclaimed mezzo-soprano Susan Graham. Renee Fleming hosts the telecast, which marks Maestro Lorin Maazel's last as music director of the Philharmonic.

Log on http://www.pbs.org/lflc

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

CNBC

Subjects: US History and Economy

High School

"Scam Of The Century? Bernie Madoff & The $50 Billion Dollar Heist"

As the far-reaching, devastating scandal, the worst in U.S. history, unfolds; this documentary delves into the mind of the suspected perpetrator Bernie Madoff. It explores how the alleged scheme worked. Who were the victims in the multi-billion dollar scam? CNBC anchors and correspondents report on Madoff's firm, the many warning signs, the human and financial toll, and the fallout among the Palm Beach elite and others hardest hit by the scheme. It reports on one family's losses. Bernard Madoff managed Joyce Greenberg's family accounts since 1970's. He had a good track record with returns and his statements looked legitimate. There was no reason to question him until now.

For further information log on http://www.cnbc.com/id/28256310

Friday, Jan. 2
8-9 p.m. E/P

Science Channel

Subjects: Science and Technology

Middle and High School

"Colossal Construction: Sondgo Future City"

As America contemplates the 'greening' of its infrastructure, Songdo City in South Korea might be an inspiration. It will be the most modern and eco-friendly planned city in the world. A landmark convention center, Incheon International Airport and a seven mile long sea bridge are just a few of the challenges that face the construction crews. TV-PG

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

National Geographic Channel

Subjects: Science and Geography

Middle and High School

"Break it Down: Orange Bowl"

One of the big issues involved in fixing our country's infrastructure is what to do with the old, used materials we'll be replacing with new stuff. The Orange Bowl, former home to the Miami Dolphins and host of five Super Bowls is about to be demolished. It's a monster job with a monster deadline. This documentary follows the demolition team responsible for breaking it down. In just four months, they'll clear over a quarter-million square feet of stadium to get ready for the Florida Marlins' new ballpark. Not only is there a tight timetable, but there's a recycling goal of 90 percent, meaning nearly everything must be salvaged or recycled, including 70,000 seats, almost 100,000 square feet of turf and eight 10-ton towers. Using an array of megamachines, they'll cut, pull and pummel this massive structure until it's a bowl full of rubble.