Arduino is an easy-to-use microcontroller designed for everyone to use -- from beginners to accomplished engineers. Microcontrollers are tiny computers that can be used to make objects interactive. You can program your Arduino to take in information from its environment and turn that information into action.
The Arduino Starter Kit comes with an easy to understand guide that includes tons of information to help you get started, including a description of all of the pieces in your kit.
Before you start any projects using your Arduino, you will need to install Arduino's editing sofware on your computer. This software will allow you to write programs and upload them to your board.
Check out the links below for more information about Arduino before you start programming:
The Arduino Projects Book that comes with the Arduino Starter Kit will walk you through easy-to-complete projects to help you learn how your Arduino works.
Check out the resources below for even more project ideas:
The Arduino Project Handbook by 
Arduino Projects for Dummies by 
Adventures in Arduino by 
