Idiot's guide to wireing?

Is there a resource I could utilize such as a book or website that can teach me how to wire things? I'd like to learn the basics behind something as simple as creating a battery powered LED light that I can switch on and off. I know it's not as easy as hooking a switch, battery, and a LED together on a few wires.

I understand LEDs are delicate and need specific currents. I understand it takes a lot of math. I just don't understand any of it.

Is there a way to learn all of this stuff without taking a college course in electrical engineering? Yes, I'm only really interested because of the flair it will bring to my prop building. That's why I'm asking you guys. Thanks in advance!

Well, here's a site that allows you to find the right "size" resistor to use with an LED.
Just plug in your voltages for your power source (battery) and the type of LED you're using.

http://www.daycounter.com/Calculator...lculator.phtml

That's a great start, thank you very much.

EDIT: A book would be great if anyone has any suggestions.

For a book I'd recommend Getting Started in Electronics by Forrest M. Mims III. I got mine from Radioshack a few years ago. If you're willing to shell out $65, radioshack also carries something called the electronics learning lab. It comes with a big breadboard, some basic components, and a companion book.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

Thank you Aaron. I will be getting that book for sure. To anyone else interested in this topic I also found this site:

http://www.theledlight.com/ledcircuits.html

It's got a good bit of information that is easy to understand also.

It's really not that hard to wire up a simple circuit. I've done it, and I have the electronic know-how of a mollusk. :lol
Have you ever used a soldering iron before? That's probably the trickiest part for me; soldering the connections without melting an LED or resistor.

Superjedi, the last time I used a soldering iron was when I was 10. Oddly enough I was attempting to replace the red bulb on my Star Tours blaster with a green Christmas tree light. I got it done clean but needless to say it did not work lol. Now look at me 10 years later here I am again.... I'd have not thought about that if it wasn't for you... Thanks for the encouragement!

You could try the Electronics for Dummies book. I am currently reading that one and it is helpful for electronically challenged people such as myself.