Try out about 3 different sensor-actuator combinations: think of a simple test to combine one sensor and one actuator.
Sensor-Actuator combinations can be for example: fading an LED with a capacitive sensor or controlling a DC Motor through a pressure sensor...
Built a prototype with jumper wires, breadboard and Arduino. Use the example codes and adapt them. If you need help use example codes, open source or ask your colleagues and teacher.
Document your code and prototypes well, this will form the basis for you project work: add comments in your code, save the files, think of clear file names, take pictures of wiring and put them in the same folder.