Purchase a bag of M&M's candies large enough to provide approximately 20 to 30 per student. Divide the candy by colors and place each color in a plastic bag.
Create a worksheet that has five to seven ratios you wish students to represent with their M&M's candies. Start with simple ratios like 1:2 and 3:4.
Introduce your lesson on ratios by explaining their meaning. Start with a simple ratio, such as 1:2, and write it on the board. Demonstrate the ratio using the M&M's candies. Choose two colors, such as red and blue. Take one red M&M's and then place two blue M&M's next to it. Explain you also can show the same ratio using more candies, as long as there is one red M&M's for every two that are blue.
Distribute worksheets and M&M's to the class. Give students five M&M's of each color. Ask them to complete the assignment by laying out the M&M's to accurately show the ratios represented on their worksheet. Circulate around the room and check that each student masters the concept.