Long before co-founding Apple and revolutionizing personal computing, a young Steve Jobs was already diving deep into electronics. In eighth grade, he built a science fair project titled “What is the Silicon-Controlled Rectifier?” Now, that piece of early history is up for grabs.
As of Wednesday morning, bidding on the project has reached $8,475. The item is part of RR Auction’s “Steve Jobs: The Computer Revolution – The Apple 50th Anniversary Auction Part Two.” Interested collectors have until August 20 at 6:00 p.m. ET to place a bid. The project comes from the personal collection of John Chovanec, stepbrother of Steve Jobs.
The display is characteristically eye-catching. It features a thin wooden backer with a curved wooden banner posing the question “What is the SCR?” Typed explanations are stapled to the board, along with two test circuits demonstrating how the semiconductor devices control electrical power. A note to the judges politely (but firmly) instructs them to “please unplug!” the circuit after use—an early glimpse of Jobs’ well-known attention to detail and control.
Accompanying the display is a written report bound in a blue folder with hand stenciling. In it, the young Jobs explained: “For my science project I have selected to do research and experiment with the silicon-controlled rectifier. I am making a circuit that demonstrates the basic properties and characteristics of this semiconductor. The silicon-controlled rectifier is the most widely used of a family of four-layer semi-conducter power devices that exhibit regenerative or latching-type switching action. The silicon-controlled rectifier is widely known as the SCR. International standards describe the complete family of semiconducter regenerative switches under the name Thyristors.”
While the science project offers the most personal connection to Jobs himself, the auction is packed with other high-value Apple memorabilia. An Apple-1 computer housed in a Smith-Corona typewriter case, complete with original documentation, has already drawn bids of $205,000. A PSA Gem Mint 10-graded Steve Jobs-signed Apple business card from around 1983 has climbed to $103,574 (nearly double its pre-auction estimate).
The strong early interest underscores the enduring fascination with Jobs’ life and the early days of Apple, even decades after his death. For collectors of tech history, this auction is delivering rare opportunities to own tangible pieces of that legacy.
MacDailyNews Note: More info about this item and the other items up for auction via RR Auction here.
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In 8th grade, while I was investigating different imbibing possibilities, Mr. Jobs was investigating a “silicon-controlled rectifier,” which now decades later, I only know its purpose b/c of Goog.
As a creative person, I look even at his display and it confirms Jobs was not only technically-minded, but leaned into design beyond his yrs. The balanced placement of things, the “carcass,” while not complex, shows intention beyond basic function and the “banner” is way beyond a usual 8th grader’s typical thinking. The gracefully curved wood announces the project’s focus, with artful purpose (as Jobs did throughout his life).