Collectors of Apple memorabilia have a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of tech history: Steve Jobs’ 8th-grade science fair project is now up for auction. This project, titled “What Is the Silicon-Controlled Rectifier?” and dated February 29, 1968, features a 32-inch plywood display with two demonstration circuits, a 10-page report, and hand-drawn circuit diagrams by Jobs himself. Notably, Jobs included instructions for judges on operating the exhibit, emphasizing the importance of unplugging it after use to prevent potential damage.
This artifact has remained at the Jobs family residence in Los Altos since its creation. Its emergence on the auction scene coincides with Apple’s 50th anniversary celebrations, during which RR Auctions is hosting a two-part event titled “Steve Jobs & the Computer Revolution: The Apple 50th Anniversary Auction.” The first part of the auction saw the sale of Apple’s inaugural check for an impressive $2.4 million.
In addition to Jobs’ science project, the auction features other significant items, including a fully functional ‘Neumark’ Apple-1 Computer from 1977. This machine is part of the second batch of 50 Apple-1 computers produced and sold, accompanied by documentation highlighting its active use during Apple’s formative years.
Another highlight is the Apple P68 ‘Stealth iPod’ Development Prototype. This oversized engineering enclosure was developed by Apple’s Special Projects Group during the creation of the original iPod. It concealed the product’s final dimensions while engineers refined its hardware and software ahead of its public introduction in October 2001. Preserved by original iPod team program manager Jim Dumont, the prototype comes with an extensive archive documenting the culture and milestones of Apple’s original iPod engineering team.
At the time of writing, online bids for Jobs’ science project are below $3,000, but this figure is expected to rise as the auction progresses. The auction offers a rare glimpse into the early innovations and personal history of Steve Jobs, providing enthusiasts and collectors with a tangible connection to the origins of Apple and its visionary co-founder.
For those interested in exploring or participating in the auction, all lots are available for viewing on RR Auctions’ official website.
The auction not only celebrates Apple’s 50-year journey but also underscores the enduring fascination with the company’s history and the individuals who shaped it. As these artifacts find new homes, they continue to inspire and remind us of the humble beginnings that led to technological revolutions.
