REST API test for beginner

     I am completely new to setting up API tests and had SOAP UI suggested to me. I am currently not running SAOP UI Pro, but am working with the open source version. I am trying to set up my first test and am stuck. I have a list of REST APIs and just not sure how to get test together to check them... I started a project with the URL and URI, but not sure what to make the 'name' and the 'value' within the 'parameters'. I have researched and  attempted various things but keep stumbling. My list of APIs has columns for 'URI', 'Method', Description', Parameters', and 'Payload'. any advice to help me get my first test figured out is much appreciated.