I have done similar projects in the past. I would recommend you look at phidgets.com for easy sensors that connect via USB. If you want wireless I would check

I have done similar projects in the past. I would recommend you look at phidgets.com for easy sensors that connect via USB. If you want wireless I would checkout synapse-wireless.com for their python powered wireless SoC. I also used netburner.com for their little serial to tcp/ip gizmo. If you have questions feel free to get in contact with me.