Class project, help getting started?

Hello guys,

I am doing a project for a class that involves making a concept proof for minting and transaction for an NFT on the Ethereum chain and I hope someone can help me getting started.

I am having trouble with:

- Making something like a simulation environment. This is just a class project so something like a testing chain that behaves relatively similar to the main chain but doesn't involve real-life monetary exchange/cost/fee.

- Understanding how exactly do you deploy a contract. I have looked at Remix and I wonder if I have a smart contract, how would I deploy and use it. (step-by-step if possible)

Thank you in advance.