The Steve Jobs Science Fair Project: A Glimpse into the Mind of a Genius

As Apple prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, a unique opportunity has arisen for fans and collectors to own a piece of the company’s history. RR Auction is featuring a wide range of vintage Apple hardware and memorabilia in its latest sale, including Steve Jobs’ eighth-grade science fair project from February 1968. This 10-page report and three-panel plywood display offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a young Jobs, who would go on to revolutionize the world with his innovative designs.

The project itself is impressive, showcasing Jobs’ early understanding of semiconductor devices and their applications. The display’s centerpieces are two test circuits designed to demonstrate different aspects of silicon-controlled rectifiers. One circuit illustrates the basic principles of these devices, while the other highlights their use in motor speed control and light dimming. This demonstrates Jobs’ innate curiosity and ability to grasp complex concepts at an early age.

The project remained in the Jobs family’s home for decades after Paul Jobs’ passing, untouched by Steve himself. His stepbrother, John Chovanec, revealed that both he and their mother repeatedly encouraged Jobs to take the project, but he declined. It wasn’t until much later, when Chovanec took the project home, that it remained as a cherished family heirloom.

The auction is expected to close on August 20, with a current bid of $3,222. RR Auction estimates the project could sell for more than $20,000. In comparison, other items up for auction include a fully functional 1977 Apple-1 computer housed in a Smith-Corona typewriter case and a 1983 Apple Computer business card signed by Jobs.

The high prices fetched by these items raise questions about the value we place on tangible connections to our favorite innovators. Is it worth shelling out tens of thousands of dollars for a piece of history? Or do these artifacts serve as mere trinkets, souvenirs from a bygone era?

For those who have grown up with Apple’s products and witnessed their impact firsthand, owning a piece of the company’s early days may be a way to hold onto memories and connect with the past. On the other hand, for others, these items might represent an opportunity to appreciate the origins of a brand that has become synonymous with innovation.

The science fair project serves as a poignant reminder of Jobs’ formative years and his early passion for electronics. It’s a testament to the power of curiosity, creativity, and perseverance – traits that would serve him well in his future endeavors.