Several crucial phases of the overall approach to development and design of smart structures are outlined in this paper. They are focused on control of lightweight mechanical structures with respect to active vibration and noise attenuation using piezoelectric actuators and sensors. The research experience and growing interest in development of smart structures have motivated introduction of courses on smart structures at universities, which are being studied extensively and with great interest by young researchers and students. Some of the author’s experiences regarding education in this field will be addressed as well.