Steve Jobs' 8th-Grade Project Up For Auction
The 1968 science project, valued at over $20,000, showcases Jobs' early interest in electronics and technology as Apple marks its 50th anniversary
As Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary, a unique piece of the company's history is up for auction. Steve Jobs' 8th-grade science project, created in 1968, is being sold by RR Auction as part of 'The Apple 50th Anniversary Auction Part Two'. The project, titled 'What Is the Silicon-Controlled Rectifier?', includes a 10-page report and a three-panel plywood display explaining silicon-controlled rectifiers.
The project provides a rare glimpse into Jobs' early interest in technology and electronics. It features two test circuits, one demonstrating the basic principles and characteristics of a silicon-controlled rectifier, and the other showing its applications in motor-speed control and light dimming. Jobs even included instructions for the science fair judges, warning them to 'please unplug!' the second circuit after using it.
The project has been preserved by Jobs' stepbrother, John Chovanec, for decades. It remained at the Jobs family's Los Altos home after their father, Paul Jobs, died in 1993. The auction includes 212 lots, featuring sealed first-generation iPhones and iPods, signed business cards and letters, and other vintage Apple hardware.
At the time of reporting, the project had received 13 bids, with the highest bid standing at $3,222. Although the bidding closed on August 20, the project's estimated value is over $20,000.
## Why it matters The auction of Steve Jobs' 8th-grade science project offers a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of Apple's history. As the company marks its 50th anniversary, this project showcases Jobs' early interest in technology and electronics, which would eventually shape the company's innovative products. The project's preservation and auction also highlight the importance of preserving historical artifacts, especially those related to the development of technology.
The project's sale is part of a larger auction that celebrates Apple's 50th anniversary. The company's milestone is a significant event in the technology industry, and the auction provides a chance for collectors to own a piece of history. With its unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, the auction is likely to attract attention from Apple enthusiasts and collectors alike.
