The best lead I can think of would be somewhere like Sarasota Science but it doesn't look like they have an accelerometer and it looks like they're only lending to teachers in Sarasota and Manatee now.

The cheapest, easiest option is a old iPhone or Android phone with a sensor recorder app. I think this is a decent Android app and this is a decent one for iOS. Even a new Android phone can be as little as $20 for a prepaid phone that you never activate.

There's a slim chance that the library has one somewhere in their system. Unfortunately their search is down right now but I'll check in the morning.

It does look like Amazon has a similar device but it's nearly $40 shipped.

If you're on Facebook, you could post this on the Tampa Hackerspace [Facebook group] and see if anyone has one.

I'm sure the public schools that are participating in "Physics day" have accelerometers for their students, surely at least one class has an extra they would be willing to loan you?

If not, there's one on Amazon for $33 including shipping

I'd be willing to donate a few dollars toward the cause, assuming you will continue to use this piece of equipment for other students in the future (and of course, loan it out if someone else needs it like in your situation).

Anyone else willing to donate a few bucks to get to $33?

Physics day at Busch Gardens was one of the highlights of my physics class(es) in high school, and it was great to be able to put all of the math and theory to the test in a real world (and fun) environment. I'd hate for anyone to miss out on that!