Any idea of some simple basic projects that I could do? Got a bunch of AA batteries that I got from the discount store.
How many and what kind?
probably about 50 and its the extremely crap kind
recycle them? haha
Electric magnet array.

Wanna have some use out of them then just throwing away when they have some juice in them.
Buy an RC car that uses them. Those things eat AA batteries. Or just never worry about the batteries in your TV remote ever again.
My dad uses Rechargable Batteries and has a fair few but most of them left out loose charge over time hence when I need something that uses AA I get pissed and bought a bunch of these cheapies. Thanks for the tip.
To be fair you requested simple basic projects. You didn't ask how to insert batteries into battery operated things...
Wire them up in series, start burning shit
Maybe try this --- Joule Thief --- Small single LED torch.
Can run from old AA batteries that seem dead in other devices