Need help with my 05 dodge neon

Hey im going to be a senior in high school and for my school we have a "senior project" baiscally you get to choose a project and work on it over the coarse of the year. Im chooseing to " michanically modify my 05 Dodge neon. I'm doing this to increase my cars preformance and get to know things i didnt befoure about cars. I dont have much knowlage about cars but thats why im doing this. I need help on what parts to get first, and what parts to get at a price so i wont get ripped off. Im planning on putting in exause, cold air intake, sway bar, eventually lowering it later in the year if i have the money. So please help me here i just need helpp!

Before you do anything, check state inspection laws, do you have to pass state emmisions test, etc? I am not familiar with conn laws on this, but it may save you some real headaches down the road.