Wednesday, Oct. 10
8-9 p.m. E/P

National Geographic Channel

Subjects: Science and Geography

Middle and High School

"Explorer: Mammoth Mystery"

Scientists have long debated one of the greatest mysteries of science: What caused the sudden mass extinction of mammoths 13,000 years ago? In this documentary a team of investigators may have found clues to why the mammoths, which reigned over the landscapes of North America for more than 1 million years, suddenly vanished. Could the clues point to the biggest cosmic impact humans have ever witnessed?

Thursday, Oct. 11
10-11 p.m. E/P

National Geographic Channel

Subjects: Science and Geography

High School

"Naked Science: Polar Apocalypse"

Imagine a world where melting ice caps have raised sea levels by 20 feet and where the great coastal cities are under water. As our earth's temperature continues to rise and our planet becomes increasingly crowded, a nightmare scenario could one day turn into reality - affecting life all over the planet. And recent research suggests that this reality is fast approaching. This documentary separates fact from fiction to discover the real science behind climate change and the melting ice caps.

Friday, Oct. 12
9-11 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Subjects: US History and Geography

Middle and High School

"Hillbilly: The Real Story"

The backbone of the eastern United States is formed by the Appalachian Mountains. The history of Appalachia is defined by its settlers, mainly Irish and Scottish immigrants who came to America because they grew tired of fighting the British back on the British Isles. In America, they were free to do as they pleased, and for hundreds of years have fought and sometimes died to defend that freedom. They represent the spirit of what America is all about perhaps better than any other group, and yet the perception is often negative. Media reports, dime-store novels, and sensational accounts in the 19th century gave hillbillies a skewed reputation in America. Many still cling to this stereotype today. But reality tells a different story, one that shows the many positive contributions of these mountain people. This documentary with host and narrator Billy Ray Cyrus features interviews, re-creations, and good old-fashioned storytelling to reveal these lesser known truths.

Saturday, Oct. 13
6:30-7:30 p.m. E/P

Discovery Kids Channel

Subjects: Science

Elementary, Middle and High School

"The Future Is Wild"

This a broadcast of two episodes of the new animated Discovery Kids series which imagines what animals could be like in the future, with birds that shoot acid when threatened and electric fish that omit enough energy to jump-start a car. TV-Y7.

Saturday, Oct. 13
7-8 p.m. E/P

History Channel

Subjects: Science

Middle and High School

"Modern Marvels: Wiring America"

This documentary begins with electrical linemen perched precariously out a helicopter door, repairing 345,000-volt high-tension power lines. They are part of an army of technicians and scientists viewers will ride, climb, and crawl with on this episode. They risk their lives so that we can have the services we take for granted--electric power and 21st century communications. They lay and maintain the wire that connects us one to another, as well as America to the rest of the world. The hardwiring of America is a story that is nearly two centuries old. And though satellites and wireless systems may be challenging the wire, it's not dead. Fiber optic cable, lines that transmit light, became a player in information delivery in the late 1970s. We may be entering a "wireless" age, but the infrastructure of wires laid by visionary scientists and industrialists are still vital to America. Wire technology will be with us, continuing to provide service, well into the next century