breadboard noob

so i bought some materials we would need for a breadboard circuit project. ONLY i have no idea how to use them. apparently, i managed to damage 12 out of the 20 LED lights i bought, dunno why. i tested them, and they all sparked. i thought that's how they're supposed to light up, until it dimmed and smelled funny then i realized i just lost em. i used a 9V DC battery. should i use a transistor? HOW. the only thing i enjoyed doing was stripping the wires. otherwise, it was all crap.

btw. i'm crossing my fingers on this job. please? i'm gonna be broke this christmas if i don't get this.