[Tamlin]

In answer to your first question:

I just don't know how to get the values that I need from joining the tables

you'll need to use Aggregate Functions. Here's a couple of links to get you started:
Roland Bouman's blog: Powerful MySQL Aggregate Functions
MySQL Tutorial - Group By

In answer to your second question:

Another small problem I am having is deciding if I am going to use a for or do...while loop to display the data

it doesn't really matter. Both will give you the result you require and both are equally efficient. Some (very pedantic) programmers might argue that WHILE implies a value that may vary, but either will work just as well as the other. Just use whatever you feel most comfortable with.