Media Menu for June 4, 2011

Here are home viewing suggestions for the week, selected from online advanced TV program listings and aligned with the state and national K-12 academic standards available online. Please consult local listings also, since actual broadcast times may vary. The Websites cited in the “Log on“ box below the TV listing provide further details about the show’s topic and may contain links to video clips from the show or a complete streaming video version of the show.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
9-10 p.m. E/P
National Geographic Channel
Science and U.S. History
Middle and High School

” Witness: Tornado Swarm 2011”

April 2011 was the most violent month of tornados on record, and the deadliest in modern times. The 'super outbreak' of April 26-27 alone involved more than a hundred separate twisters, killing over 300 people and cutting a swath of destruction across the south. Using dozens of amateur and professional sources, this documentary tells the story of this once-in-a-century event, as captured by those who lived through it.
Log on http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/witness/7051/Overview

Sunday, June 5, 2011,
7-8 p.m. E/P
Discovery Channel
World History and Science
Middle and High School

”Why Ancient Egypt Fell”

This documentary examines the possible causes behind Egypt's downfall. Select images from NASA, along with global climate models and mapping reveal how changes half a world away triggered a chain of events that destroyed ancient Egypt.
Log on http://discoveryenterprise.blogspot.com/2009/09/why-ancient-egypt-fell.html

Sunday, June 5, 2011,
8-10 p.m. ET, 5-7 p.m. PT
CNBC Channel
U.S. and World History and Economics
Middle and High School

” The China Question”

This is a repeat of a recently aired documentary which asks the question, “What does China’s rise mean for America?” Through the stories of ordinary people and analysis from the world’s leading experts, this documentary explores the challenge America faces as China becomes the world’s second superpower. To understand the economic, political and moral implications of China’s rise, filmmaker Brook Silva-Braga spent over a year traveling both China and America. On a thoughtful, personal journey we meet Chinese and Americans dealing with extraordinary change, and reflect on the twists of fate and history that brought us here.
Log on http://www.cnbc.com/id/15837856/site/14081545/

Monday, June 6, 2011,
7-8 p.m. E/P
Science Channel
Science
Middle and High School

” The Planets: Different Worlds ”

Where did the planets come from and how were they formed? This documentary examines clues to the birth and evolution of the planets lie scattered throughout the solar system. Distance, time, and technology handicap the search for answers, but scientists are making progress. TV-G

Tuesday, June 7, 2011,
8-10:15p.m. ET, 5-7:15 p.m. PT
TCM – Turner Classic Movie Channel
English Literature and Arts
Elementary, Middle and High School

”Great Expectations”

This is director David Lean’s Oscar winning version of Charles Dickens' classic tale of Pip, a poor orphan who befriends an escaped convict and who grows up in the company of a bitter old woman, Miss Havisham, and her haughty young ward, Estella. Pip learns the rewards of both vindictiveness and gratitude as a result of these events. TV-G
Log on http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/76862/Great-Expectations/user-reviews.html

Wednesday, June 8, 2011,
7-8- p.m. E/P
History Channel
Science and Technology
Middle and High School

” Modern Marvels: Built to Last”

This documentary is timely because of recent weather news. It is about ingenious and ultra-sturdy shelters, machines, containers, and materials help to ensure the continuation of society.

Thursday, June 9, 2011,
9-10 p.m. E/P
National Geographic Channel
Science and Technology
Middle and High School

”Known Universe: Construction Zone”

Engineering in space represents the future of human civilization, but also poses some of our greatest technical difficulties. This documentary travels to NASA's tool lab and see the equipment we need to build in this challenging environment, from high tech wrenches and hammers to the ultimate robotic handyman, Robonaut. Find out how the lack of gravity in space can affect how we use normal tools to build. We'll also investigate building a skyscraper on the moon and discover if humans would really be safe. Finally we'll explore the giant spinning space stations that are miles long and house entire cities. Join us as we build our future in space. TV-PG
Log on http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/known-universe/5354/Overview

Friday, June 10, 2011,
8-9- p.m. E/P
Animal Planet Channel
Science and Geography
Middle and High School

”Whale Wars: Battle Cry”

This the initial episode of a documentary miniseries which covers the Sea Shepherds, a pro-environmental organization, (details below) on their 2010/2011 anti-whaling campaign with a new, fast interceptor vessel. Early on, they find two harpoon ships before the whaling fleet has killed a single whale. Could they be set up for their most successful campaign ever? TV-14
Log on http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/episode/
http://animal.discovery.com/tv/whale-wars/sea-shepherd/

Saturday, June 11, 2011,
7-8- p.m. E/P
History Channel
Chemistry and Technology
Middle and High School

” Modern Marvels: Hot & Spicy”

This documentary takes viewers to the home of Tabasco sauce–McIlhenny Company of Louisiana, and to McCormick in Baltimore, Maryland–the leading spice manufacturer in the world.Then, head down south to see who likes it hot at the Southern Mississippi Chili Cook Off. At the Chile Pepper Institute, taste the rare “Bhut Jolokia,” the hottest Chile pepper in the world, and learn about the chemical substance capsaicin, which gives the “Bhut” and other popular peppers their tongue-burning heat.At Sol Toro restaurant in Connecticut, owned by basketball great Michael Jordan, customers need to sign a waiver to dine on their sizzling dishes.Go to the manufacturers of horseradish, wasabi and mustard to find out how their roots and seeds deliver their own distinctive blazing burn. Using the same heat many savor, we”ll demonstrate the powerful punch of pepper spray as a weapon.