Here is a cool project that you can build from a few parts that will allow you to power fluorescent lights with a 12 volt battery.

This low cost project even teaches you how to wind your own transformer from salvaged parts.

This link is from a interactive electronics e-magazine stocked full of electronics projects and tutorials. There is also a basic electronics course and micro-computer programming course that can be purchased for a small fee.

Many of the lessons feature animated gif images that really aid in the learning process on how electronics circuits work.

Here is a link to the Fluorescent light project

Here is a link to the Talking Electronics web site