After their research, have students prepare a short presentation explaining the role their subject had in the anti-Communism movement of the late 1940s and 1950s. For example, the student assigned to A. Mitchell Palmer should focus Palmer's work as U.S. attorney general just after the Russian Revolution. As students listen to each other's presentations, they should construct a timeline of events pertaining to anti-Communist activities. Once students make their presentations, you may want to give them a small quiz to make certain that they understand the role of each figure. Explain to students that they can learn more about this era by interviewing people who lived through it.
Several websites explain how oral history is done.
Have small groups of students generate a list of questions about the fear of communism based on what they have learned so far. Post the lists on the board and invite peer review. Edit the lists into one set that students can use for their own interviews. Assign students to interview someone who lived through that era. I recommend allowing the students to work in pairs.