To color the five squares without any two consecutive squares having the same color, follow these steps:
1. Pick any color for the first square (3 choices: red, yellow, or blue).
2. Choose a different color for the second square (2 choices remaining).
3. Select a different color for the third square (2 choices remaining).
4. Choose a different color for the fourth square (2 choices remaining).
5. Lastly, pick a different color for the fifth square (2 choices remaining).
Multiply these choices together: 3 * 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 = 48 different ways to color the five squares.