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There are several different, though similar definitions for Geology. I have included some of my favorite definitions below:

• a science that deals with the history of the earth as recorded in rocks
  (wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)
  
  
• The study of the planet earth -- the materials it is made of, the processes that act on those materials, the products formed, and the history of the planet and its life forms since its origin. (earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/eqterms.html)
  
  
• The science that deals with the study of the planet Earth--the materials of which it is made, the processes that act to change these materials from one form to another, and the history recorded by these materials; the forces acting to deform the outer layers of the Earth and create ocean basins and continents; the processes that modify the Earth's surface; the application of geologic knowledge to the search for useful materials and the understanding of the relationship of geologic processes ... (www.palaeos.com/Geochronology/gcglossary.html)
  
  
• The study of Earth's history as it is recorded in rock. (www.smm.org/catal/introduction/glossary/)

The following sites are great places to explore if you have an interest in geology:

• KidsGeo.com - super resources for students all ages
  
  
• Kid Info Geology Links - this portal site offers excellent online resources
  
  
• Geology.com - this site includes an excellent geology dictionary, teacher resources for Earth Science teachers, geology-related news articles, and more.
  
  
• The Geology Society of America - while there is a charge for many of the articles featured at this site there are links to Geology in the News and there is information about research that may be helpful to older students.
  
  
• U.S. Geological Survey - this organization describes itself as "an unbiased, multidisciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water, we are dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us." The site includes solid and interesting information for the general public, educators, and scientists.
  
  
• Science Daily Geology News - this site includes encyclopedia articles as well as well as geology-related news headlines from around the world.
  
  
• Houghton Mifflin - the college division of Houghton Mifflin has posted this website as a "public forum for all matters geological." The site includes excellent current news as well as worldwide virtual tours and an excellent glossary of terms.
  
  
• Enchanted Learning Geology, Rocks and Minerals - excellent geological resources, information, and handouts that feature material that is appropriate for younger students
  
  
• Technorati: Geology - geology-related blogs, photos, videos, and more. (Please check videos for content prior to sharing this resource with your students)
  
  
• National Park Services Geology Resources Division - this site includes information about the geology of our national parks and geology-related jobs in the park as well as educational resources.
  
  
• The Geology of the Grand Canyon - this site offers more detailed information about this geographically splendid park than the NPS site.
  
  
• Kids Online Resources: Geology - includes numerous additional online resources for kids
  
  
• Exploratorium - different online features each month (many of them geology-related)
  
  
• Index to Mineral Links
  
  
• Earthquakes for Kids & Grownups - this site posted by the U.S. Geological Survey will help students earn about past, present and future predictions for earthquake activity
  
  
• Volcano World - learn interesting information and details about volcanoes, their eruptions, and more when you visit this site posted by the University of South Dakota
  
  
• Ask Geo Man - browse through numerous geo-related questions that have been submitted to an expert geo-man

Some careers that relate to geology include:

• Economic Geologist - studies economically valuable earth materials such as ore deposits.
• Gemmologist - studies different gemstones.
• Geochemist - studies the chemical composition of rocks and minerals for a variety of environmental and economic applications.
• Geomorphologist - studies the shape of the surface of the earth and the processes that create those shapes.
• Geophysicist - studies the gravity, magnetism, and seismic characteristics of the Earth.
• Glaciologists - climbs around on glaciers and studies things that have gotten trapped inside them.
• Hydrogeologist - studies the location, movement, and chemical composition of groundwater.
• Marine Geologist - examines samples from the oceans, and map out the sea floor
• Mineralogist - examines, classifies, and analyzes minerals, gems, and precious stones.
• Oceanographer - studies the physical aspects of oceans such as their currents and their interaction with the atmosphere.
• Paleontologist - looks at fossils and tries to decide where in the fossil record they go.
• Petroleum Geologist - studies the use of geologic techniques to locate oil reserves and determine methods for profitable extraction.
• Petrologist - analyzes and classifies rocks to learn their origin and history.
• Sedimentologist - studies modern and historic deposition environments.
• Seismologists - studies earthquakes
• Structural Geologist - studies the deformation of rocks and the forces that cause deformation.
• Vulcanologist - studies volcanoes.
  

To learn more about these careers, as well as other geology-related careers visit the following sites:

• Neill's Geology for Kids
  
  
• Geology Careers
  
  
• Northern Illinois University
  
  
• Careers in the Geosciences

The following links provide a "start" as you look for geology-related lesson plans that have been posted to the web:

• NOAA Educational Resources - access the educational activities, publications, and booklets produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  
  
• Enchanted Learning Landforms and Bodies of Water - glossary of thirty landforms with illustrations
  
  
• Geography Terms Worksheet
  
  
• Geology (and Geography) Classroom Clipart - free clipart for educators
  
  
• Geology Challenge - "This unit contains activities designed to maximize learning in the study of rocks."
  
  
• The Educator's Reference Desk - numerous geology-related lesson links have been posted
  
  
• Project Based Learning Science Project Checklist - not a lesson, but a great assessment piece for K-4 students
  
  
• Thinkfinity Science Netlinks - site features numerous Internet-based learning activities for your classroom (hint: use the search function found on the site)
  
  
• Science Lesson Plans that teach K-2 Literacy
  
  
• Mineral Information Institute - individual lesson units and graphics for teacher use
  
  
• Geosociety - resources for K-12 Earth Science Educators
  
  
• Lesson Plan Central Geology Lesson Plans
  
  
• Science Spot Earth Science Lesson Plan Links
  
  
• Illinois State Museum Geology Online - K-12 lesson plans sorted by grade level

Use the links below to access some fun kid-friendly geology-related activities and games:

• Geo Mysteries - solve geology-related mysteries with Rex the Dino Detective
  
  
• Rocky the Rock Hound - animations that show how igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks are formed
  
  
• GeoKids: Rock Types Games - identify different types of rock as your work through this game
  
  
• Geology Labs Online - "interactive, online simulations for the life science laboratory or for earth science field studies. The activities are designed to enhance an existing curriculum and include online assessments. They can be used by students ranging from middle school, high school, or college classrooms."
  
  
• iknowthat.com Science Lab - this interactive online science lab features several geology-related topics
  
  
• PBS Savage Earth - this is an excellent PBS site that presents the volatility of the earth's crust and geological phenomena which occur as a result: volcanoes, earthquakes, Tsunamis
  
  
• Virtual Courseware for Earth and Environmental Sciences - online simulations include earthquakes, global warming, earthquakes, and more.
  
  
• Discovery Pompeii Virtual Tour/Activity - students will learn about volcanoes and even have an opportunity to build their own volcano
  
  
• Classroom Clipart - free geography and geology clip art for classroom use
  
  
• Rock Identification Video from YouTube (if you have trouble viewing the video below please feel free to click on the link to open a .wmv version of the video)

Use the links below to access geology-related virtual field trips:

• GeologyLink Virtual Field Trips - click on a location of the world map to go on a geology-focused virtual field trip
  
  
• The Virtual Cave - browse through the wonders of caves from around the world from the comfort of your school or home computer
  
  
• Grand Canyon Virtual Tour - take a 360 degree virtual tour as you select different areas of the Grand Canyon
  
  
• A Virtual Field Trip to the Stone Forest, Kunming, Republic of China
  
  
• A virtual journey into Earth history - explore this site posted by The Paleontological Research Institution
  
  
• The University of Texas - the Walter Geology Library has posted a HUGE list of Virtual and On-line Geologic Field Trip Guides...don't miss this resource!
  
  
• e Field Trips - teacher registration for field trips found at this site is required, but free. Students can complete e-journals as they work their way through the tour (please note: not all field trips are geology-related). The extra effort it takes to register for the tours found at this site is very worthwhile...don't miss these field trips!