Buy a sheet of 1/4-inch foam board in any color as well as a small airplane stencil. Pick up a sheet of poster board or cardboard, a 1/8-inch hole punch, a craft knife, scissors -- optional -- a candle, one box of extra-thick matches and a pencil. Select decorating materials for the children, such as glitter, markers, glue, and ribbon. You can easily find most of these materials at any crafting or hobby retailer.
Because the typical kindergarten student has a short attention span and limited crafting ability, prepare all materials ahead of time and assemble the airplanes. Use extreme caution when dealing with the craft knife. Use the stencil to trace the desired number of airplanes on the foam board. Carefully cut these out using the craft knife. Select one match for every plane -- these will serve as bases for the propellers. Use the craft knife to trim the matches until they have points on the ends. They should resemble toothpicks. Rub the striking ends over the candle to prevent a fire hazard. Use scissors or the craft knife to cut 2- to 3-inch strips -- depending on the size of the planes -- of cardboard or poster board. Punch one hole in the middle of each strip, thread through the trimmed match and insert it into the front edge of each plane. Inspect the planes for any sharp edges.
Explain that each student will receive one pre-assembled plane that she may decorate as she likes. Emphasize that students should leave the planes intact for safety, and monitor throughout the activity to ensure that they do so. Pass out the airplanes, perhaps showing an example of one that is already decorated. Let students know that each plane has a working "propeller," and encourage them to give it a spin. Tell them to let their imaginations "fly" and be creative as they decorate.
While the students decorate their planes, explain the story of Amelia Earhart. Perhaps read them an age-appropriate book, such as "A Picture Book of Amelia Earhart." Emphasize her contributions to history as a woman and a pilot as well as the mystery surrounding her disappearance.