Show students the devastating loss that occurs when an entire people disappears. Place the children into groups. Each group should focus on one aspect of the Mohican culture that would be lost when they disappear. One group can discuss food, another can discuss traditions and another can talk about the arts. During presentations, the students will see how much wealth is lost when a group of people disappears. To help them relate better, add a second part to the activity where students discuss their own culture and what would be lost if their people were facing the same threat.
The students can become part of living history when they relive the scenes from the "Last of the Mohicans." Assign students to important roles in the story such as Uncas, Magua and Chingachgook. After going over the book, let the students reenact important parts of the book. As they become more involved with the story and actually see it, they will better understand and retain the information. For added realism, let the students to dress up and use props.
"The Last of the Mohicans" commanded significant attention after its release. Despite its popularity, it does not provide an accurate view of the events during the time, especially as the Mohicans continue to exist as a recognized tribe in modern times. Because of its popularity it influenced American's views about Indians. Ask the students to research the effect that Cooper's book had on Americans' view of Indians, especially during the time of Indian removal. The students can write reports or give presentations based on these lessons.
Focus on the characters to teach the students about the Native Americans and their culture. Assign each student to a character. Students will learn about the history of the characters, as well as how the characters were the same as and deviated from similar people in real life. At the conclusion of their studies, they can do a presentation on the people. Alternatively, this can be a group project.